Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rideshare Pilot Tpac topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Traffic panel approves TPAC rideshare pilot using geofenced pickup/drop-off zones
Summary
The Traffic & Parking Commission approved a four-week pilot directing ride-hail traffic to two signed, geofenced loading zones for Tennessee Performing Arts Center events; NDOT will monitor, TPAC will notify patrons, and data collection will measure congestion and rider experience.
The Metro Nashville Traffic & Parking Commission on Jan. 13 approved a pilot program that will direct ride-hail vehicles to two signed, geofenced passenger loading zones for Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) events from Jan. 28 to Feb. 23, 2025. The Metropolitan Department of Transportation (NDOT) will install and monitor the zones while TPAC will notify attendees and distribute a post-event survey.
NDOT and project partners said the pilot aims to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety near TPAC by concentrating ride-hail pickups and drop-offs in two nearby areas rather than allowing vehicles to stop throughout the curb lane. NDOT staff described Zone 1 as a location across Dedrick and Zone 2 on the same side as TPAC; the pilot will use nine parking spaces in total and requires blocking those spaces 24 hours before designated show days. NDOT estimated the revenue loss from reserving those spaces at about $1,100 for the pilot period.
The pilot will use geofencing with Uber and Lyft so the apps direct passengers to the designated zones; NDOT will sign and visibly mark the zones and levy fines for noncompliance. TPAC will run a communication campaign and send attendee surveys after events. Data to evaluate the pilot will include congestion metrics available to the Transportation Management Center, field observation during early nights of the pilot, TPAC survey responses, and feedback from the ride-hail companies.
NDOT and consultants said the pilot will test whether concentrated loading improves traffic and safety, and will inform future choices about permanent signage, enforcement, and possible fee structures recommended in the Connect Downtown plan. The commission approved the pilot by voice vote; the motion carried with no recorded opposition.
Commission discussion touched on pedestrian safety at crosswalks, the potential for vending during event days (Metro Code § 6.32.060 restricts vending on TPAC event days), staffing for early nights of the pilot, and whether a future trip fee should be considered (staff said a fee is a long-range option, not recommended for this pilot). NDOT and TPAC representatives said they will coordinate with Metro Police and event staff on pedestrian control and on-site signage during pilot nights.
The commission asked staff to report back with pilot results and recommended next steps if the pilot reduces curbside congestion or improves passenger experience.
