Regional express public transit ridership surges as gas prices climb

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Regional transit buses traveling between Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee cities have seen a 19% increase in ridership over the last year.

Regional express public transit ridership surges as gas prices climb. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Regional transit buses traveling between Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee cities have seen a 19% increase in ridership over the last year. The Murfreesboro route has seen a 50% jump in ridership since last April. Cheryl Simmons, a regular rider on the regional express bus to and from Murfreesboro, said she has noticed the change. “I’ve seen more people riding in the last month than usual,” Simmons said. Jessica Dauphin with the Transportation Alliance of Middle Tennessee said gas prices are playing a big part in the ridership increase. “Transportation costs are the second highest costs for any household behind housing,” Dauphin said. “So when gas prices are rising so quickly and exponentially, people are looking for a way to offset th...