Route 91X Franklin/Brentwood Express now serves Vanderbilt
[Originally published by News and Public Affairs in MyVU]
On Nov. 1, Route 91X Franklin/Brentwood Express expanded and began service to Vanderbilt University.
Buses travel from Franklin to Music City Central (MCC) in downtown Nashville and then continue to the campus.
Two timepoints were added, one at 21st and West End and the other at 21st and Children’s Way, which is the new end of the line. To assist in promoting the expanded service, Franklin Mayor John Schroer and RTA/MTA CEO Paul J. Ballard rode Route 91X on Oct. 29 to Nashville and Vanderbilt University.
“We are very pleased with this latest announcement and adding the stops at Vanderbilt,” said Schroer, who is an RTA board member and chair of the Finance Committee. “Many Franklin residents work at Vanderbilt and this new stop could really benefit them, save transportation costs, and help make their morning commute less stressful.”
The first trip departs from the Williamson Square Kroger at 6:20 a.m., with the second bus leaving at 7 a.m. Buses stop at the Lowe’s in Franklin at 6:30 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. and Brentwood Civitan Ball Park at 6:42 a.m. and 7:22 a.m. before arriving downtown at 7:10 a.m. and 7:50 a.m. at MTA’s Music City Central (MCC) transit station.
Buses continue from MCC on to Vanderbilt University. They stop at 21st and West End at 7:20 a.m. and 8:05 a.m. before arriving at 21st and Children’s Way at 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.
Afternoon trips depart from 21st and West End at 3:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m., stop at 21st and Children’s Way at 3:55 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. before arriving at MCC. Buses depart MCC Bay 11 at 4:20 p.m. and 4:55 p.m. Customers arrive at Brentwood Civitan Ball Park at 4:50 p.m. and 5:26 p.m., at the Lowe’s at 5:03 p.m. and 5:39 p.m., and at the Williamson Square Kroger at 5:16 p.m. and 5:52 p.m.
Service is provided through an RTA contract with Gray Line. Buses for the routes are equipped with restrooms and televisions and can accommodate up to 56 passengers. Cost is $3.50 per ride or $60 for a 20-Ride pass.
NOTE: 20-Ride passes are available for $37 ($23 discount) for Vanderbilt employees through Vanderbilt Valet Services, the Parking Permit Office at East Garage and the Vanderbilt University Traffic and Parking Office at the Wesley Place Garage.
Since the 91X Franklin/Brentwood Express began operating last December, ridership has increased 94 percent.
“We are pleased with the ridership growth of the route, which is less than a year old. This expansion to Vanderbilt will give us an opportunity to attract more regional commuters.
We appreciate that Mayor Schroer, Gray Line, and Vanderbilt are partnering with us on this initiative. We all want to see the service grow and attract new customers,” said Ballard.
Contact: News & Public Affairs, (615) 322-4747
The route is funded with federal funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
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