Letters: Nashville will serve all residents better with better, more reliable transit
Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to the bottom to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree. We welcome diverse viewpoints.
Better mobility provides independence in underserved communities
An inadequate transit system is a major roadblock for those living in the underserved communities of Nashville. Access to these resources is for everyone, not just those with a geographical advantage.
The Choose How You Move Program is an expanded citywide transit system designed to help all Nashvillians get where they want to go faster and safer. Tourism tax revenue will cover an estimated 60% of the cost to increase the number of buses, routes and frequency of stops. The plan includes synchronous sidewalks to bus stops and "smart" signals that sense traffic volume.
Public transit provides access to healthcare, employment, healthy food, schools, libraries and parks. It reduces social isolation. It allows elderly residents to remain in their homes and still go to the doctor, the grocery store or the pharmacy.
Expanded public transportation will:
Reduce the burden on emergency response systems allowing chronically ill patients to attend their doctor's appointments.
Allow citizens in food deserts to get better food than the fast-food close by.
Increase commerce by allowing access to businesses located miles from underrepresented communities.
Reduce traffic congestion and collisions through car owners' use of Park and Ride services.
Let's help our neighbors get to the clinic for dialysis, or to NES to pay a bill, or the library to check out the latest John Grisham mystery.
Opinion: Nashville voters should listen to various views as they decide on transit plan
Equitable transportation access is for all Nashvillians. Vote for the Choose How You Move Program.
Ann Gupton, Nashville 37211
More frequency of bus service benefits a growing Nashville
Ten years and 80 miles of sidewalk after Nashville votes For Choose How You Move:
It's a Monday, and I'm waking up late. I force myself to jump up, but then glare at the ceiling letting out a giant groan. I've just remembered I had driven over a nail in the driveway last Friday. I remembered having to walk to Kroger this weekend, which actually, now that I thought of it, wasn't that bad. It's only about five blocks with plenty of shade.
On the way, I was stopped by Ms. Theresa who updated me on all of her granddaughters, including Alisha, who was zooming past me on her new bicycle. I realized I hadn't even looked to see if there was a car coming before crossing the street, but I hadn't needed to because someone else had already pressed the button to signal for cars to stop. I ran into Kroger to grab something for dinner that night, then I headed home.
Jump back to Monday morning; I'm nervously checking the bus times on my phone. The Route 76 bus stop is only one block from my house and the bus will be there in 7 minutes and then again in 17 minutes. A sigh of relief. I pop my head back into the bedroom and ask if my husband is okay to wait with the girls for the bus today. I take his sleepy grunt as an agreement, and run outside to catch the bus to work.
Maggie House, Nashville 37208
The authors are interns for the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee.
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