opinion

Opinion | This is why Nashville's transit plan, as proposed, is the only option

Some have suggested that the “Let’s Move Nashville” plan, on the Metro ballot May 1, is deficient because it relies too heavily on mass transit and won’t reduce traffic congestion.

We are confident that the plan can reduce congestion and, what’s more, provide multiple convenient, affordable transportation options for everyone who needs them. Expanding the system’s total capacity with light rail corridors will improve the quality of life for current and future residents who desire development that’s also pedestrian-oriented, not auto-centric.

It is simply unfeasible to expand existing roads, and it is unrealistic to assume that autonomous vehicles will alleviate congestion any time soon. In fact, many researchers suggest just the opposite.

Here at Vanderbilt University, the five of us investigate different kinds of networks –transportation and many other types – through the lenses of engineering, computer science, environmental science and law.

Counterpoint: Nashville should vote no on transit. Here is why.

More opinion: Nashville transit future better off without trains

With 1 million new residents expected to move to the region over the next 25 years, we must create efficient transportation options that substantially add to our existing network capacity, or the city will reach a breaking point. New transit services using dedicated rights-of-way, while very expensive, can move the most people in a constrained space.

The city’s plan includes a major, short-term expansion of the current bus system’s service hours and number of vehicles, 28 miles of rail on five lines, four bus-rapid transit routes, 19 transit centers and other safety and technology improvements.

A significant part of the expense of these projects involves wholesale redesign of the “pikes,” which long have been neglected. In doing so, they will improve the livability of our key mobility corridors and the whole city by focusing on people, not cars.

Read More: Caution, compromise needed in transit debate

In our judgment, the most important element of the plan is a downtown tunnel that will connect the transit network together.

It’s part of Nashville’s urban legend that a subway system would be too expensive to build through our limestone bedrock.

While constructing a tunnel is a significant capital effort, it is feasible, as evidenced by numerous tunnels already built beneath Nashville. A relatively short tunnel underneath our growing and congested downtown allows the legs of the network to be efficiently connected.

We also believe Let’s Move Nashville will work for these reasons:

It’s realistic. The plan complements ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft that can provide last-mile access – those short jumps between transit lines and work or home. It doesn’t wait for uncertain emergence of new technologies such as autonomous vehicles, which won’t be assimilated into traffic for many years and are likely to increase congestion and single occupant auto use. Today, toll roads are not allowed in Tennessee, and if very expensive toll lanes are ever implemented on our freeways, they would only worsen impacts in the urban core, where severe congestion already occurs.

The plan complements ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft that can provide last-mile access – those short jumps between transit lines and work or home. It doesn’t wait for uncertain emergence of new technologies such as autonomous vehicles, which won’t be assimilated into traffic for many years and are likely to increase congestion and single occupant auto use. Today, toll roads are not allowed in Tennessee, and if very expensive toll lanes are ever implemented on our freeways, they would only worsen impacts in the urban core, where severe congestion already occurs. It’s pragmatic. This plan clearly contemplates connections to our neighboring regional population centers. However, as Middle Tennessee’s largest city and job center, Nashville must go first. The spokes of the network can’t be built before the hub.

This plan clearly contemplates connections to our neighboring regional population centers. However, as Middle Tennessee’s largest city and job center, Nashville must go first. The spokes of the network can’t be built before the hub. It’s the right time. As we are finding with our work looking at mobility issues for Vanderbilt, the pressures of growth and success in our community are relentless. Our studies make it painfully clear that access to affordable housing across the community – students and employees – is becoming more acute, and better transit coverage and the proposed transit development districts will help address this. Better transit options can help reduce that growing cost burden on families. These choices will not get easier in the future.

The piece was the joint effort of Vanderbilt University faculty members Abhishek Dubey, assistant professor of computer science and computer engineering; Jonathan Gilligan, associate professor of earth and environmental sciences; Craig Philip, director of the Vanderbilt Center for Transportation Research; Daniel Work, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering; and Michael Vandenbergh, David Daniels Allen Distinguished Chair of Law.