Gearing up for “Relax & Ride”

Thanks to Margot Fosnes for continuing to get the word out about this program.

In her weekly column with the RCT, Margot discusses the 'Relax & Ride' program that I have discussed here, here and here.

As you may or may not recall, the R&R program begins on January 31st and runs through February 11^th. Here is a little bit more information regarding the actual busses themselves.

This free bus service is operated by Gray Line of Tennessee and is designed to gauge the interest of commuters in Springfield and Joelton. Buses for this route will make a morning trip to Nashville and an afternoon trip to Springfield. The buses for the route are equipped with restrooms and televisions and can accommodate up to 56 passengers. Cost to ride is free; however, it is on a first-come, first-served basis up to the 56 person capacity.

I am personally excited about the 'R&R' program just simply for what information we can derive from it. What do I mean by that? Well, as I discussed in the previously, for the County to be able to evaluate where it is, and where it needs to be so far as growth will be something that leaders need to consistently.
I could almost say that the 'R&R' program, and Highway 431 widening coincide. I think that Margot says it better than I could, though:

As studies continue to be published highlighting the tremendous need for the middle Tennessee region to find new and more efficient ways for our working population to get to and from work in the region without exacerbating the already congested roadways, services such as these commuter express buses will be an important component in any regional transportation plan. The popularity of programs like Relax and Ride will also highlight the need for more study of light rail and bus rapid transit systems to serve our community.

Here are the logistics:

Buses depart from downtown Springfield at 7th Ave. W. and Locust Street at 6:30 a.m., stop at the Springfield Wal-mart at 6:41 a.m., Joelton Family Dollar at 6:58 a.m. and arrive at Music City Central in downtown Nashville at 7:18 a.m.

The buses will then continue towards the Vanderbilt University campus with stops at 10th Avenue and Broadway at 7:25 a.m., 21st Avenue and West End at 7:30 a.m., 21st Avenue and Edgehill at 7:33 a.m. and arrive at 21st Avenue and Children's Way at 7:37 a.m.

The afternoon bus will depart 21st Avenue and West End at 3:48 p.m., stop at 21st Avenue and Edgehill at 3:51 p.m., 21st Avenue and Children's Way at 3:58 p.m., 10th Avenue and Broadway at 4:08 p.m., Bay 7 at Music City Central at 4:15 p.m.

From downtown, it will continue towards Joelton, stop at the Joelton Family Dollar at 4:40 p.m., Springfield Wal-mart at 4:56 p.m. and arrive at the downtown Springfield at 5:12 p.m.

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Check out the website: http://www.rtarelaxandride.com/ or 615.862.5950