Nashville's $5.2 billion transit proposal: What you need to know

The $5.2 billion transit plan Mayor Megan Barry unveiled Tuesday comes after years of discussions surrounding traffic congestion in Nashville and in Middle Tennessee.

Here's what you need to know about the proposed "Let's Move Nashville" transportation plan.

► More: Mayor Barry unveils sweeping $5.2 billion transit proposal for Nashville

What is the 'Let's Move Nashville' plan?

The plan calls for 26 miles of light rail, rapid bus routes and an increase in service and frequency for the city's bus network. A downtown tunnel, transit centers and sidewalks are also included.

How will the transportation system get funded?

A sales tax would the largest contributor. If the transit initiative passes, the sales tax will increase from 9.25 percent to 9.75 percent next year and to 10.25 percent in 2023.

A surcharge would also be added to the local hotel tax, rental car tax, and business and excise tax. The city would issue bonds as needed totaling about $2.5 billion and fare revenue would help cover operational costs.

► More: How the $5.2 billion proposed transit system would be funded

When will the vote take place?

The ballot referendum is scheduled for May 1, 2018. Voters will decide on whether to fund the $5.2 billion plan through a series of tax increases.

What happens between now and May?

Accountants will review the financing plan and the mayor's office will solicit feedback and meet with community groups. In December, the Metro Council will need to create a ballot item. The Metro Council will consider a proposed ordinance in January with a third reading planned in February, according to Metro officials.

What happens if it doesn't pass?

Status quo, officials say.

How long will it take for the entire transit system to be built?

The project is scheduled to be completed in 2032.

How will bus service be improved?

The bus fleet will convert to electric buses, which are cheaper to operate and quieter, officials say. By early 2019, peak bus service will be increased to at least every 15 minutes on 10 of the city's busiest routes. Service hours will expand to 5:15 a.m. to 1:15 a.m., Monday through Saturday.

What is a neighborhood transit center?

Transit centers will be located along rapid bus transit and light rail lines and will vary based on community needs. A center could include some parking areas, bike stations or serve as a pickup and drop-off area for ridesharing companies and taxis.

What will a tunnel entail?

The nearly $1 billion tunnel would run north and south, with a north incline beginning north of Charlotte Avenue and an underground Music City Central station. A second underground station would be built at Broadway and Fifth Avenue. A surface-level station would be built at Lafayette Street. Electric buses and light rail trains would run through the tunnel.

► More: Downtown Nashville tunnel to be part of Mayor Barry's transit plan

Why is a downtown tunnel necessary and what about the limestone?

Nashville's downtown streets are close to 50 feet wide and buildings are often built up to the property line. With delivery trucks, existing congestion and pedestrian traffic, above-ground light rail options are limited, officials said.

Drilling technology can cut through limestone, as evidenced by the city's District Energy Systems steam pipe network that heats and cools more than 40 downtown buildings.

How will residents who can't afford transit fare pay for services?

Residents living at or below the federal poverty line will not have to pay fares. Reduced or free fares will also be available to those with disabilities, seniors and those younger than 18.

► More: Activists warn of Barry's transit push becoming 'gentrification train'

What about rising housing costs near transit corridors?

The mayor plans to create an affordability and transit task force to focus on affordable housing and supporting small businesses and will assess how to invest transit revenues into affordable housing, Metro officials said.

With autonomous vehicles on the horizon and a 14-year construction timeline, is a transit system needed?

Autonomous vehicles could be a component of the first- and last-mile transit needs. Even with autonomous vehicles on the road, congestion will still be a problem, Metro officials said.

How can I learn more?

The Mayor's Office, Metro Public Works and Metropolitan Transit Authority will host open houses throughout Davidson County:

Downtown Corridor: Thursday, Oct. 26, 201, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Nashville Farmers' Market Food Court Area

Thursday, Oct. 26, 201, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Nashville Farmers' Market Food Court Area Northwest Corridor: Thursday, Nov. 2, 6 to 8 p.m. at Tennessee State University, Elliott Hall

Thursday, Nov. 2, 6 to 8 p.m. at Tennessee State University, Elliott Hall Charlotte Avenue Corridor: Thursday, Nov. 9, 6 to 8 p.m. at Lentz Public Health Center, Centennial Rooms

Thursday, Nov. 9, 6 to 8 p.m. at Lentz Public Health Center, Centennial Rooms Murfreesboro Road Corridor: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6 to 8 p.m. at Trevecca's Tarter Student Activity Center

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6 to 8 p.m. at Trevecca's Tarter Student Activity Center Nolensville Road Corridor: Saturday, Nov. 18 12 to 2 p.m. at Coleman Park Gym

Saturday, Nov. 18 12 to 2 p.m. at Coleman Park Gym Gallatin Road Corridor: Monday, Nov. 20 at 6 to 8 p.m. at East Nashville Magnet High

Reach Jamie McGee at 615-259-8071 and on Twitter at @JamieMcGee_.