New Murfreesboro Transit Center on New Salem Highway Nears Completion

Murfreesboro, TN - The Murfreesboro Transit Center, located on New Salem Highway, is set to open in April 2025. This $17.1 million project, funded through a combination of state and federal grants, as well as city funds, aims to significantly upgrade public transportation for the city and its residents.

As you recall, the former Rover city bus service was renamed to Murfreesboro Transit. In addition to a name change, it brought a new electronic fare system called GENFARE to provide easier payment options for riders.

When the new Transit Center is opened, the bus operations will move from a rural complex on Florence Road to a centrally located facility designed for both customer convenience along with maintenance and operational efficiency.

Advantages

The modern facility will provide even more services for this community. It will serve as a centralized hub for bus routes, making transfers easier and more efficient. In addition to a passenger pavilion, the center will also feature a bus maintenance facility and an administration building, contributing to the smooth operation of the Murfreesboro transit system.

Furthermore, plans for regional connectivity include WeGo Public Transit purchasing property next to the center to connect riders to Nashville, enhancing the region's transportation network.

Budget and Funding

The project is currently within budget, with funding sources including $9 million from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), $2.8 million from the city's Capital Improvement Program, and over $5 million in federal funding.

Expansion Plans

Murfreesboro is planning to expand its local transit services by extending operating times and introducing new routes. One of the planned routes includes reintroducing service to the Cason Lane and St. Andrews area. The city is also considering new bus routes to improve access to the new transit center from various parts of Murfreesboro.

WeGo and Greyhound Services

The new transit center will serve City Transit buses, WeGo buses, and Greyhound buses. Passengers will be able to purchase Greyhound tickets at the hub.

Nashville's WeGo bus service will stop at the new transit center, and a park-and-ride facility is planned nearby to connect riders to Davidson County. While WeGo will use the new transit center as a staging area for regional transit buses, it will also continue to pick up customers around Murfreesboro for transportation to Nashville.

New Buses

In late 2024, new buses were introduced into the transit system. These buses are larger and more comfortable than the previous ones, featuring amenities like bike racks and wheelchair accessibility.

Old Downtown Hub

The old transit hub located at N. Walnut and W. Burton Streets will still be used for some routes, but the new transit center on New Salem Highway will become the main hub.

Rider Costs

While there is no information yet on whether the new approach will cost more for riders, the goal remains to provide more efficient and accessible public transportation.

Enhancement for Tourists

The new Murfreesboro Transit Center on New Salem Highway will indeed offer a park-and-ride connection for tourists. This service is designed to make it easier for visitors to access popular local attractions, including Oaklands Mansion, the Stones River Battlefield, and the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring.

Additionally, the city is considering implementing a "hop-and-ride" service, which would allow tourists to hop on and off buses at various points of interest around the city. This service aims to provide a convenient and flexible way for visitors to explore Murfreesboro's attractions without the hassle of parking or navigating unfamiliar roads.

It's an exciting development that will enhance the visitor experience and make it easier for tourists to enjoy all that Murfreesboro has to offer!

This new transit center marks a significant upgrade for Murfreesboro, enhancing public transportation and connectivity for both residents and visitors. Stay tuned to WGNS (Murfreesboro FM 101.9 and AM 1450; Smyrna FM 100.5, and http://wgnsradio.com for talk shows featuring guests from Murfreesboro Transit and other officials).