John Overton students urge WeGo connector to Edmondson Pike to boost school access
Loading...
Summary
John Overton High School students asked Metro Council to extend WeGo Route 8 and add a connector to Route 52 with a stop at the school, arguing it would increase attendance, equity and reduce congestion; council members agreed to convene WeGo, MNPS and planning staff to assess the idea.
John Overton High School students presented a plan to extend WeGo service into the Edmondson Pike and Old Hickory corridors and add a stop at John Overton High School, saying the change would improve students’ ability to get to class and expand transit equity in South Nashville.
"Accessibility is a right, not a privilege," said the John Overton High School student presenters, who asked the council to consider a connector linking Route 8 with Route 52 and to place a WeGo stop at the school.
The students said Overton is one of four zoned MNPS high schools without WeGo service and described concentrated population density along Edmondson Pike. They cited a slide showing a quarterly ridership and revenue report and argued that the connector would reduce vehicle trips, lower pollution and help students who currently lack transit options. The presenters said Route 52 is operating above pre-pandemic ridership in parts of South Nashville and asked the city to explore interconnectivity with nearby routes, including a link to the Hundred Oaks Station and bus 77 to Berry Hill and Belmont.
Council members asked technical questions about sources and whether the students’ proposal matched the city’s existing Choose How You Move plan. A council member said the students’ idea was timely, noting a 2023 transportation referendum that funded a strategy intended to build a more connected, multi-directional network rather than a downtown-focused hub.
The council committed to convening a meeting that includes WeGo, MNPS, Choose How You Move representatives, the mayor’s office and planning staff so the students can learn whether the proposal is already part of city strategy or needs to be added. The moderator said presenters should expect follow-up and that the council would help route the students’ materials to the appropriate departments.
The presentation did not produce a formal motion or vote. The council asked staff to review the students’ data and to report back in a follow-up working meeting.
Next steps: council members and staff will arrange a joint meeting with WeGo and MNPS to review feasibility and scheduling implications, and the students will share their presentation materials with planning staff and the council office.
