The Regional Transportation Authority plans to expand its regional bus network next month with the addition of two new bus routes that will serve residents living in Williamson and other nearby counties.
Both routes go into effect on Dec. 1 and are being funded with federal funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The routes from Nashville to the Franklin/Brentwood and Thompson’s Station/Spring Hill areas will operate during rush hour.
Customers riding these new routes will be able to use their commute time for work or leisure, save money on gas, and help the environment by reducing traffic congestion and auto emissions.
“This new express regional bus service will be a great benefit for the commuters of Williamson County. With the expansive growth in our area, this type of commuter service could help ease some of the transportation issues along the Interstate 65 corridor. There has been a growing need for this type of service; the ARRA funds are enabling the project to become a reality,” said RTA Board Chair and Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson.
The service will be provided through an RTA contract with Gray Line. Buses for the routes are equipped with restrooms and televisions, and can accommodate up to 56 passengers. Cost is $3.50 per ride or $60 for a 20-Ride pass.
Route 91X Franklin/Brentwood Express runs from Franklin to downtown Nashville with two trips to downtown in the morning and two trips in the afternoon.
The first trip departs from the Williamson Square Kroger at 6:30 a.m., with the second bus leaving at 7 a.m. Buses stop at the Cool Springs Lowe’s 6:40 and 7:10 a.m. and Brentwood Baptist Church at 6:52 and 7:22 a.m. before arriving downtown at 7:20 and 7:50 a.m.
Afternoon trips depart from Nashville MTA’s Music City Central (MCC), Bay 11; at 4:20 and 4:45 p.m. Customers will arrive at Brentwood Baptist Church at 4:44 and 5:09 p.m., at the Lowe’s at 4:57 and 5:22 p.m., and at the Williamson Square Kroger at 5:07 and 5:32 p.m.
Route 95X Spring Hill runs from Spring Hill to downtown Nashville. It departs from the Kroger on Port Royal at 6:25 a.m., stops at Thompson’s Station Baptist Church at 6:36 a.m. and arrives downtown at 7:20 a.m. The return trip in the afternoon departs MCC at 4:10 p.m., Thompson’s Station Baptist Church at 4:57 p.m. and the Spring Hill Kroger at 5:13 p.m.