Mayor O’Connell hints at new mass transit funding referendum
“We do expect this week to be an important period in the final analysis, but don’t have a fixed moment for it yet.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Mayor Freddie O’Connell hinted at the possibility of a new mass transit funding referendum that could potentially be on the ballot this November.
On Tuesday, Mayor O’Connell said this week is crucial for the final analysis of the proposal.
“All the analysis that’s focused on that is basically how can we best move forward our transit system in the most cost-effective ways that actually do allow us to look at joining the ranks of the 40 plus cities ahead of us in terms of where they are in population and economy that all have dedicated funding for transit,” O’Connell said.
In 2018, a mass transit funding referendum failed, with 64% of voters voting no. Several shared what it would take for them to vote yes.
“If they are going to make them run and be more convenient with the increase, I would agree,” Ron Mitchell, who rides the bus for errands, said.
For some bus riders, an important part of the proposal would be an expansion of bus routes. Others say not enough people use the bus system for it to need expansion, and they would not want to put their taxes toward that.
“That’s like spending unnecessary money when there’s no reason for it,” William Garrett said. “If you got a congested bus stop, more routes would probably be natural. But when I ride in the morning, and I see people at the bus stop, it’s only like three or four.”
A major question is if the proposal would include a light rail from downtown Nashville to BNA, something people seemed excited about.
O’Connell has not said if or when the proposal will be announced or any details that may be included.
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