Metro city officials held the first Lets Move Nashville Transit plan public hearing where people could not only ask questions but also discuss concerns as the reviewed the plan.
Among the chit chat and discussions at the Farmers Market Thursday, some very good questions and concerns were heard about how Nashville is moving its transit system forward.
Frank Holt has called Nashville home for the last 40 years, he's an avid bus rider and said there is a lot of room for improvement.
“For the people that’ve wanted it, it’s 10, 15, 20 years too late,” he said. However, that hasn't stopped Holt from joining the public hearing to learn more about this new and bold transit plan.
“Oh I support the transit plan, I just don’t support the way they’re paying for it,” said Holt.
The current plan will be funded by a range of surcharges that will increase sales, hotels, vehicle, and businesses taxes. Holt also has his doubts about the light rail system.
“It doesn't’t quite go far enough and then you’ve got the money issue and every city that’s done this has gone to a certain point and then moved on,” Holt explained.
Aging technology is also a concern. “Technology is always changing and this is just part of a larger system. Light rail is important today and it’s going to be important in the future,” said Nashville Mayor Megan Barry.
The bus system, the backbone of our transit system according to Barry, will be the first to see improvements if this plan moves forward. “At the end of the day when this referendum passes you’ll also see immediate changes to our transit system,” she said. “The hope is the connections between our counties will come after Nashville passes the referendum.”
