RESOLUTION NO. RS2004-136

A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Transit Authority to design and implement a downtown "Free Ride Zone" program.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Charter provides that the power and authority for the operation of the public transit system in Nashville and Davidson County is delegated to the Metropolitan Transit; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Transit Authority currently charges a fee for all bus riders, with the exception of the LunchLINE trolley sponsored by the Nashville Downtown Partnership and the Central Business Improvement District; and

WHEREAS, the Utah Transit Authority in Salt Lake City, Utah, has implemented a downtown "Free Ride Zone", whereby bus riders can ride anywhere within the downtown area without paying a fee; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Transit Authority establish a similar Free Ride Zone program for downtown Nashville.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Transit Authority to design and implement a downtown "Free Ride Zone" program.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Metropolitan Transit Authority and to Paul Ballard, the MTA Chief Executive Officer.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace, Vivian Wilhoite

Amendment No. 1
To
Resolution No. RS2004-136

Mr. President:

I move to amend Resolution No. RS2004-136 by renumbering Section 3 as Section 4 and adding the following new Section 3:

“Section 3. The Metropolitan Transit Authority is further requested to respond to the Council as to the feasibility of the request stated in Section 1 hereof by June 1, 2004.”