Corridor Studies & Other Plans
nMotion (Nashville MTA Strategic Planning Effort)
nMotion 2016 is the MTA/RTAs strategic planning effort that led to the 20-year comprehensive plan designed to meet Nashville’s needs and residents’ vision for transit. The plan identified opportunities to enhance the transit system, improve service, attract and retain new riders, and meet the growing needs of the Nashville region. This study will be updated beginning in 2024.
Northeast Corridor Mobility Study (Nashville to Goodlettsville, Hendersonville and Gallatin)
The Northeast Corridor Mobility Study was completed by the Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization in 2009 to develop a regional transit investment strategy for the 30-mile corridor between downtown Nashville and Gallatin. The study recommended rapid transit along Ellington Parkway (SR-6) and Vietnam Veterans Parkway (SR-386).
Southeast Corridor Study (Nashville to La Vergne, Smyrna and Murfreesboro)
The Southeast Corridor High-Performance Transit Alternatives Study was completed in 2007 to evaluate transit options between Nashville and Murfreesboro. The Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is currently updating those findings through the ongoing Transportation and Land Use Study.
Northwest Corridor Study (Commuter Rail, Nashville to Clarksville)
An Initial Feasibility Study of commuter rail was completed by the Nashville Western Rail Authority in 2008 in partnership with TDOT, the Clarksville Urbanized Area MPO, and the Nashville Area MPO.
South Corridor Study (Rapid Transit, Nashville to Franklin)
The Nashville Area MPO conducted an initial feasibility study of rapid transit options between downtown Nashville, Cool Springs/Franklin, and Spring Hill. The study evaluated various alignment and technology options for the corridor.
Imagine East Bank is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-envision 338 acres of underutilized land in the heart of Nashville along the banks of the Cumberland River, and dream of what vibrant neighborhoods could emerge there. Few other projects of this scope and context exist in the United States today.
What We Know
According to the Nashville Area Metro Planning Organization, the Middle Tennessee region will grow by a million more people over the next 20 years. While this growth contributes to our economic vitality, it also challenges our transportation infrastructure and our quality of life. Today’s average commute time of 20 minutes will increase substantially as many new people move to our area to take advantage of our economic growth. Nashville and the surrounding counties must plan and implement a multimodal transit system to address the growing congestion.
Multimodal Transportation
Bus Rapid Transit
Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT, offers the flexibility of a bus with the efficiency of rail. BRT operates in an exclusive “busway” in dedicated rights of way or mixed traffic. It utilizes infrastructure and technology to reduce travel time. Cities operating BRT include Houston, Phoenix and Cleveland.
Commuter Rail
Commuter rail is a higher-capacity, longer-distance travel. It operates typically on existing freight rail tracks with a service focused on peak commuting times. Cities operating commuter rail include Nashville, Chicago, and Dallas/Fort Worth.
Light Rail
Light rail is a medium- to high-capacity, high-speed service. It operates in an exclusive guide-way in dedicated rights of way or mixed traffic. Light rail can be used for short- or long-haul trips. Cities operating light rail include Dallas, Charlotte, Denver and Portland.
Heavy Rail
Heavy rail is a higher-capacity, higher-speed service operating on exclusive rights of way with no grade crossings. It is typical in areas with very high-demand corridors. Cities operating heavy rail include Chicago, Washington, Atlanta and Boston.
Monorail
Monorail is used for medium-capacity, shorter-distance travel. It operates on a single narrow beam that is typically elevated. Monorail service is focused on local area circulation. Cities operating monorail include Las Vegas, Jacksonville and Seattle.