Nashville Metro Youth Ridership Program Sees Gains
StrIDe, Metro Nashville’s free youth transit program for Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) and charter school students, saw nearly a 26 percent jump in ridership from the 2014-2015 to the 2015-2016 school year, according to Nashville MTA officials. StrIDe ridership topped 1 million during that past year.
StrIDe is a partnership between the Mayor’s Office, MNPS, Nashville MTA and Metro Council. The program began in August 2014 when MNPS high school students received their student identification badges that also serve as their school ID card, library card and MTA bus pass. It is programmed to work on all MTA buses. Last year, the program expanded to include middle school students who lived out-of-zone of Metro’s yellow school buses.
The program provides students not only transportation to school but to extracurricular activities throughout the week, and to non-school events, allowing them to be more engaged not only in school but in what the city has to offer, as well.
When asked what he likes about the StrIDe program, Meigs 7th grader Will Jack said, “It’s good to be able to ride the bus home after school if your parents work – like mine – and can’t come pick you up.” Jack rides MTA buses home every day from school when not playing soccer for his school’s team.
"When I say the whole city is united behind improving education for our children, this is just what I mean,” Director of Schools Dr. Shawn Joseph said. “StrIDe opens up all of Nashville and its limitless opportunities to every child. It is exactly the kind of community partnership that will push our district forward, and we are grateful to MTA for continuing to support our students. Clearly the students are using it and enjoying it."
Between 4,700 and 5,700 StrIDe cards are used each month by Nashville students in both public and charter schools. Currently, youth riders make up 22 percent of MTA’s total ridership, which is an increase of two percent from last year.
“We have been pleased with student ridership and growth of the program thanks to our partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools,” Nashville MTA CEO Steve Bland said. “StrIDe has helped high school students in Nashville become more mobile and independent, and we expect the experience will continue to win over a whole new young demographic to the benefits of public transportation.”
