Merger Could Aid Transportation Needs
Plan Would Increase Cooperation With Davidson, Area Counties
POSTED: 5:47 pm CDT September 3,
2008
UPDATED: 11:19 pm CDT September 3,
2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Some big changes are in the process that could help residents cut down on their growing gas bills.
Video: Merger Could Help Area Transportation NeedsThe Metro Transit Authority and the Regional Transit Authority are on the verge of a merger, which could translate into more opportunities for those needing a ride.A July 4 mix-up caused thousands of ticket holders for the Music City Star's Fireworks Express to miss the downtown extravaganza altogether. There simply weren't enough seats to go around.Two months later, it seemly likely that the Regional Transit Authority, including the Music City Star and 140 commuter vans, will be merging with the Metro Transit Authority. City leaders said it is a way of streamlining transportation between Davidson and surrounding counties."It should be a way for us to save money and operate the train better. It's a good thing, and this is the result of regional cooperation. This is not Nashville saying we want to take over the train. This is everybody working together," said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.Last month, Sumner County leaders voted to add an express bus route that would bring commuters into and out of the city two times a day. Dean said with gas prices at an all time high, the time is ripe to expand the service to other neighboring communities."All of the mayors in this area recognize that now is the time for us to seize the day and do something in the area of mass transit. I would anticipate that this discussion of how we respond to transportation regionally is going to elevate in the weeks ahead," said Dean.A study is being conducted to iron out more details on cost and when the merger will occur. It will be up to city leaders to come up with the funding to execute the plan.
Video: Merger Could Help Area Transportation NeedsThe Metro Transit Authority and the Regional Transit Authority are on the verge of a merger, which could translate into more opportunities for those needing a ride.A July 4 mix-up caused thousands of ticket holders for the Music City Star's Fireworks Express to miss the downtown extravaganza altogether. There simply weren't enough seats to go around.Two months later, it seemly likely that the Regional Transit Authority, including the Music City Star and 140 commuter vans, will be merging with the Metro Transit Authority. City leaders said it is a way of streamlining transportation between Davidson and surrounding counties."It should be a way for us to save money and operate the train better. It's a good thing, and this is the result of regional cooperation. This is not Nashville saying we want to take over the train. This is everybody working together," said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.Last month, Sumner County leaders voted to add an express bus route that would bring commuters into and out of the city two times a day. Dean said with gas prices at an all time high, the time is ripe to expand the service to other neighboring communities."All of the mayors in this area recognize that now is the time for us to seize the day and do something in the area of mass transit. I would anticipate that this discussion of how we respond to transportation regionally is going to elevate in the weeks ahead," said Dean.A study is being conducted to iron out more details on cost and when the merger will occur. It will be up to city leaders to come up with the funding to execute the plan.Copyright 2009 by WSMV.com. All rights reserved.
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