Effective September 27, several of the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) bus schedules changed as MTA made its biannual system changes.
Service adjustments have been made to routes 3 West End/White Bridge, 5 West End/Bellevue, 7 Hillsboro, 9 MetroCenter, 12 Nolensville Pike, 18 Airport/Downtown Hotel, 34 Opry Mills and 37X Tusculum/McMurray Express. In addition, service frequency on Route 21 University Connector has been changed to operate every 40 minutes on weekdays, and service will be discontinued on the Purple Circuit and on Sundays on Route 20 Scott.
New fares are in effect for Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee (RTA) bus and train passengers. The RTA Board of Directors recently approved a five percent increase to the nearest quarter in its regional express bus fare and train fare. Regular express bus fare increases to $4.25 per ride and the price of a 20-Ride Express bus pass increases to $73.50. Train fare increases also have been adjusted proportionally.
Other RTA service changes include new park and rides for routes in Gallatin and Franklin and time adjustments on routes 86X Smyrna/La Vergne Expres, 87X Gallatin Express, 91X Franklin Express and 96X Nashville/Murfreesboro Relax & Ride.
To assist customers with the changes, MTA/RTA has published a Summary of Changes brochure that is available on the MTA and RTA websites, at Music City Central, and on the buses.
The new schedules are on the websites at and the week of September 21 and will also be distributed later that week to various display locations around town, including Music City Central (400 Charlotte Ave.)
For more detailed information, customers should review the route schedules or call Customer Care at 615-862-5950 from 6:30 am until 6:30 pm on weekdays, 8 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, and 10:30 am to 2:30 pm on Sundays.
MTA improvement strategies
New RTA bus, Music City Star fares now effective
New regional express bus and train fares are now in effect for Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) passengers. The RTA Board of Directors recently approved a five percent increase to the nearest quarter for its fares. The price for regular fare on an RTA express bus increases to $4.25. and a 20-Ride Express Bus pass increases to $73.50. The Music City Star fares were also adjusted proportionally.
RTA has not adjusted its fares in nearly four years. Increasing fuel and related operating costs are the reasons for the fare changes. To gain input regarding the proposed changes to the fare structure, RTA held four public hearings in July.
Customers had the opportunity to attend the meetings and/or provide comments by phone, through written correspondence, fax or e-mail. The new fares are listed below.
