MTA Board Approves New Antioch Route and Bus Frequency Increases

The Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority Board voted on October 22, 2026, to approve the Winter 2027 service changes for WeGo Public Transit. The vote authorizes the creation of a new connector route in Antioch and implements frequency improvements across several existing lines. These modifications will take effect on January 3, 2027.

The new Route 73 Bell Road will operate as a direct link between Antioch and South Nashville. The bus will travel via Bell Road to Nolensville Pike and will stop at the Tanger Outlet Mall. Service on this new line will run every 30 minutes between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. During evening hours, from 6 p.m. until the end of service, the interval will extend to every 40 minutes.

Route 8 Eighth Avenue South will see substantial changes to its schedule for weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On weekdays and Saturdays, the bus will run every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., a reduction from the current 25 to 30 minute intervals. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., service will run every 30 minutes, improved from the current 40 to 60 minute gaps. Hourly service will also extend until 1:15 a.m., moving the end of service forward from the current 11:15 p.m. cutoff.

Sunday service on Route 8 will also improve. The bus will run every 25 to 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., down from the current hourly schedule. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the interval will be every 40 minutes, and hourly service will extend to 1:15 a.m.

Additional frequency changes affect Route 19 Herman and Route 42 St. Cecilia/Cumberland. Route 19 will run every 20 minutes between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays, a shift from the current 30 minute interval. Route 42 will offer service every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, improving upon the current hourly schedule.

The board also approved the creation of three new WeGo Link Zones. The South Antioch zone will provide service between I-24 and Percy Priest Lake to the Davidson County line. The Ezell Park zone will cover areas between Murfreesboro Pike and Harding Place. The Donelson Hills zone will serve areas along Lebanon Pike between Briley Parkway and the interstate loop. The existing South Nashville zone will remain free, but riders must download a reusable voucher in the Uber app to ride at no charge beginning January 3, 2027.

Funding for these service changes comes from the Choose How You Move transportation improvement program. This program was approved by voters to support infrastructure and transit upgrades under Mayor Freddie O’Connell's administration.