Nashville MTA, RTA hit big ridership numbers
Together, they provided 10.5 million passenger trips in the Middle Tennessee region.
For the second straight year, the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee (RTA) jointly recorded more than 10 million passenger trips in a fiscal year.
In fiscal year 2013, the Nashville MTA provided 9.7 million passenger trips to residents, visitors, students and tourists within Metro Nashville on its buses and vans. RTA recorded approximately 800,000 passenger trips on its train, buses and vans. Together, they provided 10.5 million passenger trips in the Middle Tennessee region.
“This is a great accomplishment for Nashville and Middle Tennessee,” RTA board Chair and Metro Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said. “As a result of our transit services, fewer cars are traveling on our roads and interstates. Transit customers are helping to improve the region’s air quality and reduce traffic congestion in the area. This is good news for the future of our city.”
Ridership has increased steadily over the past year and continues to grow. Average Nashville MTA ridership is more than 33,000 passenger trips per weekday. Average regional bus ridership is 1,500 passenger trips per weekday. Ridership on regional buses has grown rapidly as well, up 23%.
More Bus

Bus Tech Talk: Keeping Transit Technicians Ahead of the Technology Curve
LA Metro’s Obed Mejia discusses technician training, evolving maintenance technology, fleet replacement, and strategies for getting the most out of today’s transit fleets.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
People Movement: Holly Arnold Joins Transdev and More
In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at Pace, CamTran, MCI, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
The High Cost of Transit Buses: Industry Leaders Look to Procurement Reform
Transit leaders and policymakers examine how standardized bus designs, streamlined procurement, and predictable funding could help agencies stretch budgets and deliver better service.
Read More →
The Business Voice Behind Public Transportation
As chair of APTA’s Business Members Board of Governors, Ray Melleady explains how more than 850 business members are partnering with transit agencies to advance funding, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.
Read More →From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →
LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement
The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.
Read More →
PSTA Modernizes Workforce Management with Digital Bidding System
The award-winning Workforce Transit Modernization project replaced paper bidding with a transparent digital platform, cutting administrative effort while improving access for operators.
Read More →
Washington's Community Transit Sets Six-Year Roadmap for Growth, Expansion
Approved TDP targets more bus service, new mobility options, Swift BRT expansion, and a potential Everett Transit annexation.
Read More →