Understanding Transportation Challenges in Nashville, Tennessee

Objective:

To explore public perceptions of transportation infrastructure and services in Nashville, Tennessee, identifying pain points and opportunities for improving accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability.

Methodology:

Our team deployed an anonymous Typeform survey targeted at Nashville residents, commuters, and local business owners. The survey was promoted through digital ads to capture a diverse range of respondents, including individuals who rely on public transit, ride-sharing, and personal vehicles.

  • Survey Duration: 3 weeks

  • Total Responses: 2,000

  • Respondent Breakdown:

    • Residents: 60%

    • Commuters (non-residents): 20%

    • Local Business Owners: 15%

    • Other Stakeholders: 5%

Key Questions:

  1. How would you rate the reliability of public transportation in Nashville?

  2. What is the primary mode of transportation you use for work or daily activities?

  3. What is the biggest transportation-related challenge you face?

  4. Do you think the city is adequately addressing transportation issues?

  5. What improvements would you prioritize for Nashville’s transportation system (e.g., expanded public transit, better roads, bike lanes, etc.)?

Findings:

  1. Transportation Preferences:

    • 70% of respondents rely on personal vehicles for their daily commute.

    • Only 15% use public transit, with the remainder favoring ride-sharing or biking.

    • 42% of commuters cited limited public transit routes as a major reason for not using city services.

  2. Perceptions of Public Transit:

    • Public transit scored an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 10, with frequent delays and insufficient coverage noted as key concerns.

    • 56% of respondents in outer suburbs reported having no viable access to public transportation.

  3. Top Challenges:

    • Traffic congestion was identified as the biggest issue, with 68% of respondents citing it as a daily frustration.

    • 51% highlighted inadequate parking in key business districts as a significant problem.

    • Safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians were raised by 35%, with many requesting dedicated bike lanes and safer crosswalks.

  4. City’s Approach:

    • Only 39% of respondents felt the city is actively addressing transportation challenges.

    • 61% believe there is a lack of transparency and public input in transportation planning efforts.

  5. Community Priorities:

    • 48% of respondents supported expanding public transit routes, particularly to underserved suburban areas.

    • 44% called for traffic flow improvements, such as optimized light timing and new roadway designs.

    • 33% advocated for more bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to reduce reliance on cars.

Actionable Recommendations:

  1. Expand Public Transit:

    • Increase bus routes and frequency, particularly connecting suburban areas to downtown Nashville.

    • Invest in a rapid transit system to provide faster, more reliable alternatives to cars.

  2. Tackle Traffic Congestion:

    • Implement smart traffic light systems to optimize flow during peak hours.

    • Encourage staggered work hours for businesses to reduce peak-time congestion.

  3. Enhance Accessibility:

    • Build more bike lanes and pedestrian pathways to encourage alternative transportation methods.

    • Improve parking availability in downtown and other high-traffic areas by constructing multi-level facilities.

  4. Foster Public Involvement:

    • Create a “Nashville Moves” program to solicit ongoing feedback from residents and commuters through quarterly surveys.

    • Hold community workshops to discuss major transportation projects before implementation.

  5. Boost Sustainability Efforts:

    • Introduce electric buses and charging stations to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

    • Offer incentives for carpooling, biking, or using public transportation.

Impact:

This survey revealed a clear divide between the growing transportation needs of Nashville’s population and the city’s current infrastructure. By focusing on community-supported solutions, city leaders can address congestion, expand transit options, and build a safer, more sustainable transportation network. Following the survey, conversations with key stakeholders, including the Nashville Transit Authority, are already underway to explore funding and implementation strategies.

Conclusion:

This study underscores the importance of gathering public input to address transportation challenges. By leveraging these insights, Nashville can create a more accessible and efficient system that meets the needs of its growing population.