MTA to Take Over RTA Operations

The Metro Transit Authority will take over operations of the Music City Star commuter train November 1st.

The Regional Transportation Authority approved a deal today that would allow MTA to take the reigns of the agency, which also coordinates shared rides and regional bus service. Less-than-anticipated ridership on the train, however, has led to a 1.7-million dollar funding shortfall for the coming year.

MTA CEO Paul Ballard would assume the top post at the regional agency.

“We’re prepared to do this at no charge to the RTA for this first year. This would be our contribution to helping with the financial shortfall we’re currently dealing with at RTA.”

The five administrative staff at RTA would be taken on by Metro. But RTA Executive Director Diane Thorne would step aside once the transition is complete. She says it makes sense for Metro to handle the administration of both agencies.

“A lot of the success of the commuter trains is the availability of MTA to provide service at Riverfront or where the other corridors come in to get people from their train stations to their final destinations.”

As part of the deal, the state Department of Transportation is offering one-million dollars to help cover the budget shortfall. Municipal governments along the commuter line from Lebanon to Nashville are also being asked to add 100-thousand dollars each. MTA expects it could save 300-thousand dollars just by combining operations.