It’s 2035. It’s a Monday, and I’ve woken up late. I linger momentarily, resisting the rush, but soon I’m scrambling—reaching for my pants, the nearest clean shirt, and manage to get one of my socks on before I’m in the bathroom trying to brush my teeth and smooth the lumps out of my hair at the same time. I close my eyes for a second, trying to remember where my keys are, and then, all at once, I throw my head back, glaring at the ceiling with a giant groan. I gargle - spit - throw my toothbrush in the cup, and run to find my other sock.
I had meant to deal with it over the weekend, but instead, I chose to walk to the grocery store on Saturday, something that was impossible just ten years ago. I figured I’d enjoy the weather and stroll past my car like it wasn’t even a problem. I walked five shaded blocks, stopping briefly to chat with Ms. Theresa about her granddaughter’s latest kindergarten adventures, waved at Felix, the cat lounging in the Bradley’s yard, and smiled as Alisha zoomed past me on her new bike.
Crossing Main Street was effortless. A couple ahead of me had pressed the walk signal, making it easy to cross safely without even thinking. I picked up some fried chicken for dinner and made my way back, feeling proud that I didn’t need my car for such a simple errand. Since Nashville passed the "Choose How You Move" initiative in 2024, the city has added over 80 miles of sidewalks, including the short but crucial stretch that now connects my house to the grocery store.
Jumping back to Monday morning, I’m still running late, but I check the bus times on my phone. The Route 23 bus stop is just two blocks away, arriving in seven minutes, with another in 17. I sigh with relief because I won’t be late with either bus. I ask my husband if he can wait with the girls for their school bus, and his sleepy grunt agrees. I sneak into their room to whisper goodbyes, then dash out, grabbing a donut from the fridge on my way to catch the bus to work.
Unpacking the Narrative
It’s 2035, and Nashville has made smart investments in transportation. These improvements have transformed daily life for its residents. Today, one in three households live within walking distance of a bus stop, and our walkable neighborhoods have grown by 50%. Sidewalks, lighting, and crosswalks now make it possible for people to walk to the grocery store, take a stroll after dinner, or walk their dog safely at any time of day.
This is what a bus system built for the people looks like. Cities like Atlanta and Charlotte have shown that ridership grows with investment in coverage and frequency. Frequent, reliable service is essential for busy lives—no one can afford to wait 30 or 50 minutes for the next bus. These changes have also made driving more efficient, with traffic signal upgrades that keep cars moving smoothly, thanks to the dedicated funding for roads and transportation.
This was only possible with the dedicated funding Nashville committed to back in 2024.
Nashvillians are known for their kindness, hospitality, and love of savoring life's slow moments. Why not invest in infrastructure that allows us to do more of what we love? Sidewalks create connections. Bus networks give us the flexibility and freedom to plan our days, allowing us to enjoy our neighborhoods more and less time stuck in traffic in anticipation of being in them.
A better bus system means more time at home and less time commuting—today, we spend 56 hours per person in traffic each year. That’s nearly $1,000 per person and almost $1 billion lost across the region.
It’s time to choose a future where we can enjoy everything that makes Nashville unique without worrying about traffic, parking, or game-day gridlock. Our city is growing, and we must decide whether to let it thrive with smart investments or struggle with outdated infrastructure, knowing that residents sacrifice quality of life as long as we continue to do nothing.
It’s not 2035 yet. It’s 2024, and the decision is ours right now: Do we accept the status quo or make the bold choice to create a better future for Nashville?