Purpose: through this program franklin transit will provide micro transit service to the cool springs corridor connecting riders to employment retail and other points of interest

The Federal Transit Administration (CFDA 20.507 - Federal Transit Formula Grants) awarded a $1,781,825 Formula Grant to the Franklin Transit Authority to provide microtransit service in the Cool Springs Corridor of Franklin, Tennessee. The project aims to enhance existing fixed-route transit service and reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles by offering an app-based, demand-response microtransit service that will connect riders to employment, retail, and other points of interest. The service will provide curb-to-curb transportation within a 5-7 minute response time, enabling residents and employees in the Cool Springs area to access the service as an alternative to driving. This project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and expand mobility options for choice transit riders in the corridor. The grant has an award date of August 16, 2024, and an ultimate completion date of March 30, 2033.

Activities

Activities to be performed: the service will circulate riders quickly with curb to curb service. The program shall circulate commuters in williamson county to cool springs and to regional commuter buses within williamson county. The service is designed to respond and pick up a customer in the cool springs corridor within five to seven minutes from the request. This quick response will allow residents and employees working in cool springs to use the service instead of relying on only their car to get around. Studies commissioned by franklin transit and the TMA group have identified quick micro transit as an attractive transit alternative for residents and employees within cool springs. Microtransit will add and augment mobility transit options within the corridor.

Expected outcomes

Expected outcomes: this project will enhance the existing fixed route service in the cool springs corridor to service residents and employees reducing barriers to transit. Further the service will be in place for expansion as the cool springs corridor and the city of franklin prepares for more commute service entering the corridor in the future. This project will reduce the number of single occupancy cars on the road for simple errands morning and evening commute and the lunch time congestion within the cool springs corridor. IT will also be a new form of transit in the cool springs corridor which will add to infrastructure needed allowing for more options for choice transit riders. The circulation of these customers in the corridor is a vital piece for the overall vision of reducing the dependency on single occupant vehicles and will result in air quality improvement and congestion reduction.

Intended beneficiaries

Intended beneficiaries: beneficiaries include those who live or work in the cool springs area.

Subrecipient activities

Subrecipient activities: this is a franklin transit authority project; there are no subrecipients.