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Summary
On June 16, Congressman Bob Clement convened a public forum
entitled “Smart Growth in the 21st Century – Exploring
Tennessee’s Transportation Alternatives.” Held at the
Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel in Nashville, the conference served
to explore possible transportation options to promote future
technology, uphold community standards, improve quality of life,
identify safety concerns, and enhance economic development.
Panelists, from various fields of the transportation industry,
spoke about alternative solutions to current issues, highway
safety and the future technology of transportation.
Congressman Bob Clement, a member of the House Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee, stressed that growing
transportation needs present an important challenge to Middle
Tennessee.
Discussion
panels, consisting of a moderator and speakers, outlined current
transportation issues facing Tennesseeans, including traffic
congestion and safety concerns, as well as alternative options
and solutions. The first panel, moderated by Laura Faber
of FOX 17, described the emerging challenges and opportunities
for the transportation industry in the 21st century. The
second panel, moderated by Chris Clark of WTVS, concentrated on
the transport of individuals, and evaluated alternative options
for daily commuters to avoid highway and traffic congestion.
Opening Address:
Understanding the Future Needs of Transportation in Tennessee
An opening address
delivered by Preston Elliott, Transportation Planning
Coordinator of the Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning
Organization, focused on the future needs of transportation in
Middle Tennessee. Beginning with facts regarding Nashville
transportation, Elliott pointed out high rates of congestion,
with motorists spending 40 hours a year in traffic, increased
air quality concerns, lack of interest in public transportation,
and suburban areas growing larger than the city itself.
With these problems currently facing the Nashville community,
what is the future involving the growth of transportation needs?
Some fear sprawling regions of highways and byways, worsened air
quality and a decaying central city. Others envision an
infrastructure of city streets and highways, popular mass
transit, including bus and rail systems, and an environmentally
stable society. Elliott responded to these and other
issues by challenging Tennesseeans to plan today for the future.
He stated that, “Today, as a community, we have the ability to
set the course for the future.”
Elliott outlined
a response to Public Chapter 1101, enacted by the Tennessee
General Assembly in 1998, the Nashville Metropolitan Planning
Organization has adopted a 25 year five county transportation
plan including a five line commuter rail system, advanced MTA
bus service systems, improvements to interstate highway systems,
increased road development, computerized traffic signals, a
sizable rideshare program for carpooling, and extensive
expansion of sidewalks and bikeways. The Nashville MPO
will partner with the Chamber of Commerce on the most
significant regional planning effort for Middle Tennessee,
exploring transportation, land use, and quality of life.
The two-component plan includes a 25 year transit service
expansion program, guidelines for regional land use, zoning
regulations, as well as urban and site design practices.
With such diverse populations and economy, the MPO believes it
only makes sense to provide diverse systems of transportation,
ranging from roads, buses, railways, sidewalks, bikeways and
other mass transit. Elliott concluded that the purpose of
this forum was to open your eyes to the possibilities and
collectively come together to establish visions and solutions
for the future.
Panel One:
Smart Growth and the Transportation Industry: Helping Business
Help the Community
The first panel
addressed key issues surrounding industry support of
transportation measures. Respresentatives of the road,
waterway, rail, air and trucking industries voiced their views
on how Nashville can best plan for the future.
Representing a variety of interests, and often vastly different
goals, the first panel established a foundation for participants
to voice their views on specific issues using the eForum?
electronic polling devices. After the presentations of the
panelists, 88% of participants agreed that alternative modes of
transportation are important to smart growth in Nashville, and
68% agreed that transportation should be a top priority for
local, state and federal officials.
Panelists
A representative of the Tennessee Road
Builders Association, Kent Starwalt addressed an obvious
issue regarding transportation – congestion. According
to the U.S. Census Bureau, nine out of ten Americans rely on an
automobile and while the number of vehicles rose 128% between
1969 and 1990, the road systems only increased by 6%.
Starwalt cites these statistics as key elements to the
prevalence of congestion on highways. Opponents of the
road industry claim commuter rail and improved bus systems will
surely enhance transportation for the future. Yet Starwalt
introduced a survey from the National Association of Home
Builders to detail otherwise. While less than 10% of
people who have access to public transportation (trolley
service, train, light rail or subway) use it, over 85% of people
with cars continue to drive congested highways each year.
Additionally, Starwalt claims that those 85% still pay to
maintain the public transportation services for the 2% that use
it. The mass transit budget consists of riders’ pay,
government subsidies and gas taxes. A recent study
determined that a proposal for a light rail system in Nashville
will cost taxpayers $193,000 per passenger in government
subsidies. Citing systems already enacted in Oregon and
California, Starwalt contends that 75% of light rail users
already previously used mass transit. This Harvard study
questions the success and economical value of mass transit.
Starwalt, on the
other hand, declared that the Road Builders Association drafted
blueprints for road projects to reduce congestion, improve air
quality, and relieve stop-and-go traffic. For instance,
the road plan for State Route 840, according to Starwalt, would
clean the air in urban areas, while diminishing congestion
during commutes. This plan will alleviate traffic from the
Interstates in downtown Nashville without causing families to
sprawl to suburbs. In closing, Starwalt asserted that
smart growth in transportation for the 21st century incorporates
strong and healthy road systems to support economic growth and
increased traffic.
Panelist Lyle
Key of CSX Corporation, discussed issues that the freight
industry is currently facing in Middle Tennessee. As 71%
of participants agreed that freight traffic is a significant
problem in the Nashville area, Key reiterated that CSX will play
an integral role in transportation planning, so that these
issues can be properly addressed and resolved to everyone’s
satisfaction. Although he is primarily concerned with the
significant safety issues involved, Key also pointed out that
CSX stands ready to negotiate with private rail passenger
service in order to better serve the needs of Middle
Tennessee’s growing population. Key went on to point out
a story that occurred 30 years ago as he served as a naval
officer in Japan. He explained the incredible experience
on the bullet train, traveling over 100 miles per hour.
Following World War II, Japan focused its transportation
planning efforts on mass rail systems. Key suggested that
we look to Japan’s example, marveling at how further advances
in modern technology can also reshape the current system in
Nashville.
Panelist Carole
Willis, a representative of the Metropolitan Nashville
Airport Authority, focused the discussion on the expanding air
service to Nashville by major carriers such as Southwest
Airlines. Willis informed the audience that Nashville had been a
hub city for American Airlines from 1986 until 1994 and offered
services to 71 destinations. However, in 1995 the carrier began
to dehub Nashville and in less than a year Nashville was not a
hub city any longer. Willis stated that the community realized
that it needed to act; therefore important airlines were
contacted. The community highlighted Nashville’s strengths and
worked to dispel the myth about Nashville being only a country
music town. At the same time, Willis remarked that they wanted
to make sure Nashville was a good place for all airlines.
Finally, she presented the route performance of major U.S.
Airlines at Nashville
Panelist Buddy
Sanders of Ingram Barge Company, discussed the importance of
waterways to the future of transportation. Beginning with
commercial reasons for the necessity of the shipping industry,
Sanders explains that the inland waterway system provides a
safe, efficient, and low cost means of bulk transportation
through marine terminals, connecting water to air, rail, and
roads. Sanders cited various goods and resources, such as
coal, petroleum, cement and steel, transported by the waterways.
With more than twenty states bordering the inland waterway
system, it remains a vital mode of viable transportation for
commercial reasons. However, Sanders further described the
incorporated navigational systems, locks, and dams operated by
the Army Corp of Engineers. Waterways provide beautiful
lakes for recreation, low cost hydroelectric power, reserves for
municipal and industrial water supplies, and flood protection.
The marine industry continues to invest in raising the quality
of life, improving safety standards, and providing
environmentally sound infrastructures and practices.
Sanders concluded by pleading for increased federal and state
funding, claiming that all modes of transportation (air, rail,
road, and water) must be intertwined in order to promote a
strong and diverse economy in a safe and environmentally sound
manner.
Panelist Chris
Burruss, President and CEO of the Tennessee Trucking
Association, described the paramount nature of improved
transportation systems, especially with the expansion of
populations. Representing over 520 trucking and support
service companies, the TTA serves as a trade association to
promote highway safety standards and technology research within
the trucking industry. The TTA partners with various
transportation organizations, such as the Tennessee Department
of Safety and the Tennessee Road Team, to conduct roadside
safety inspections and to raise public awareness for highway
safety, which has reduced highway fatalities dramatically over
the past few years. Nonetheless, Burruss contended,
“whether it is 10 fatalities or 100 fatalities, one is too
many”. Citing road rage, fatigue, alcohol and speeding,
Burruss analyzed safety by citing the habits of drivers rather
than a particular mode of transportation. Specific to
technology, the trucking industry expects numerous revolutionary
safety enhancements, ranging from anti-rollover devices to
satellite tracking, yet remains tentative.
Panel Two: Smart
Growth and Passenger Transportation: Assessing Mass
Transit Options
The second panel
discussed the issues surrounding the mass transit options facing
Middle Tennessee. Over 80% of participants agreed that
some form of passenger rail service, such as Amtrak, commuter or
light rail, should be established in Middle Tennessee; and 70%
said they would use it either on a daily, weekly or monthly
basis to travel to and from work. Also exploring the
environmental ramifications of these options, 86% of
participants agreed that these and other alternative modes of
transportation would have a positive impact on the environment.
Panelist Bill
Millar, President of the American Public Transportation
Association, opened with various statistics to counter those
offered by the Road Builders Association, claiming that federal
spending provides 10 times more on the road building system than
public transit. The ultimate goal in the future of
transportation remains supplying a multi-modal transportation
system. Millar cites his recent experience in which his
flight was cancelled, forcing him to subsequently turn to
Amtrak. Millar stated that although initially
inconvenienced by the flight cancellation, a different mode of
transportation that was readily available provided an adequate
alternative. Millar remarked that in the past, the nation
has overspent national resources on a single mode of
transportation. Today, new technology will promote a
variety of choices for the future. Millar offered his
notion for the future: to balance spending to support developed
multi-modal transportation systems, which allows Americans the
freedom to choose.
Panelist Bob
Babbitt, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transit
Authority, focused his discussion on building balanced
communities, mobility, and fair choices. He stated that
collectively, the population in Tennessee needs to gain
perspective and think for the future rather than in the present
and past. Moving forward, Babbitt cited three trends
apparent in every community in the United States: a) growing
population; b) debating and investing in the transportation
infrastructure and technology; c) rising incomes and better
economy. The current MTA system shares relatively
conservative policies paving the way for balance, convenience,
access, and mobility.
Panelist Eric
Beyer, Executive Director of the Regional Transportation
Authority, outlined the issues regarding regional
transportation, specifically the increased usage of interstates,
highways, and secondary roads. With more driving, Beyer
explained using statistics from the American Lung Association,
that Nashville ranks among the top 25 worst cities concerning
air quality and ozone levels. Beyer notes that the one
option for growth - to widen highways to accommodate the
increasing population - seems limited, especially with new
environmental laws, which severely restrict the building of new
roads. Other alternatives include TEA-21, a bill passed on
the federal level, as well as the work done by RTA on the local
level to develop mass transit, which included:
- The expansion
of park-and-ride lots to support carpools, vanpools, and
commuter bus service.
- The initiation
of the regional ridesharing program to promote carpooling
and vanpooling.
- The
development of commuter bus services, with the participation
of the MTA.
- The
institution of commuter rail services to promote inter-modal
stations within the region.
Additionally, the
RTA proposed an increase in the Vehicle Emissions Fee to gain
increased government funds. Beyer concluded by stating
that using a variety of options and providing multi-modal means
of transportation, Nashville can plan for a better future,
improve air quality, increase access to jobs and preserve the
quality of life.
Panelist Ben
Smith of the Tennessee Department of Transportation,
described two “driving” forces influencing the need for
public transportation in Tennessee. First, is the needs
and preferences of the population. Smith depicted how the
large demand for mass transit lies on demographic lines, in
which mobility limitations severely affect low-income families,
single parent households, and the elderly. With an already
high demand for public transportation, TDOT is seeking outside
help from organizations such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory to
determine the traditional trends in transit ridership among
urban and rural areas. Second, growth policies compare
urban density relationships to future transit demands, as well
as researching the level of transit service in Nashville.
According to Smith, smart growth in transportation for the 21st
century should focus on the development of central urban areas.
Panelist Alan
Jones, Administrator of the Tennessee Department of
Environment and Conservation, focused on relationships between
air quality and transportation, especially the challenge to
maintain both in the future. Air quality in Tennessee
improved dramatically after the Clean Air Act in 1970.
Yet, a recent report from the American Lung Association listed
three Tennessee urban areas, including Nashville, among the 25
cities with the most severe ozone pollution. The TVA has
attempted to reduce ozone-causing air pollution from coal-fired
plants, however, EPA air quality models project the benefits to
be insufficient. Additional reductions must come from
mobile sources, including cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs.
According to the Metro Health Department Division of Pollution
Control, nearly 70% of nitrogen oxide pollution stems from
on-road vehicles. Jones, along with the TDEC, offers an
alternative option to help reduce the emission of noxious air
pollution:
- expand public
transit services through investment of government spending;
- provide better
opportunities and incentives for rideshare;
- improve
bicycle and pedestrian facilities;
- increase
public awareness about transportation alternatives and air
quality needs;
- buy cleaner
and more efficient fuels and vehicles; and
- promote
greater range of housing choices.
Panelist, Ed
Walters, a representative of Amtrak, emphasized two versions
of smart growth relating to transportation in the future.
First, public policy issues, such as environmental law
established by the EPA, must be enacted to maintain standard
levels for all transportation industries. Second, Walters
cited smart growth among the private corporations, specifically
Amtrak. Amtrak understands that network growth strategies
promote the national economy as well as alternative modes of
transportation. Amtrak constructed a market-based analysis
to provide new services for regional areas in conjunction with
the mail and express business. Walters discussed issues of
high-speed corridors currently developing around the country, as
well as in Tennessee. To increase ridership, Amtrak
initiated the first unconditional service guarantee to increase
the relationship with commuters.
With a robust
agenda and the participation of such noted panelists, it is easy
to see why this forum was so widely regarded in the Nashville
area. Many different viewpoints were presented, from both
panelists and participants. At the conclusion of the
Summit, participants clearly agreed that transportation should
be a top priority for public officials in the coming months and
years, and over half agreed that personal taxes should be
increased to support transportation’s smart growth in
Nashville. |
