Committee OKs ordinance separating sightseeing vehicles from party buses; creates 4-6 p.m. rush-hour permits on fixed routes

The committee voted 7-0 to advance an ordinance amending Title 6 of the Metropolitan Code to redefine "entertainment transportation vehicles" and to regulate the operation of seated sightseeing vehicles (BL2025-954). Councilmember Coopman said the legislation separates standing/drinking party buses from seated touring vehicles and establishes a 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. rush-hour permit for sightseeing vehicles.

Under the substitute that the committee approved, the 4-6 p.m. permit is limited to fixed routes that must be approved by the director of the Traffic and Licensing Commission (TLC) and the chief engineer of the Nashville Department of Transportation. Coopman said the vehicles must be "transporting people from point to point" rather than cruising and contributing to congestion.

The ordinance was moved, substituted and approved in committee with no reported opposition. Committee members said hesitancy from some stakeholders had been addressed through the substitute before the vote.