For the second year, the Nashville MTA and Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee (RTA) are offering free rides on all MTA and RTA buses and the Music City Star the Friday after Thanksgiving, which is known as “Black Friday.” The day is traditionally the first official shopping day of the holiday season.
“We are pleased to offer this opportunity again this year,” MTA Board Chair Jeff Yarbro said. “Not only is it a way to introduce public transit to those who may have never used our services, it’s also a way to say thank you to our loyal customers.” The free rides last all day and are unlimited.
The MTA Board of Directors approved the initiative earlier Oct. 23. The RTA Board approved it earlier.
In 2013, Nashville MTA and RTA experienced record weekday ridership compared to regular Friday ridership. The routes to and from the area shopping malls had the highest number of riders.
The free rides also include RTA express bus services which operate in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, Clarksville, Pleasant View, Joelton, Springfield, Franklin, Brentwood, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Thompson’s Station and Spring Hill. The Music City Star operates between Lebanon and Nashville.
Service for both the MTA and RTA will begin early morning on Nov, 28 and will end when the buses and regional train complete their final runs late Friday night.
