The RTA, which arranges for the service, has tried similar bus routes from Franklin, Murfreesboro and Mt. Juliet with varying degrees of success. The buses travel to or through Nashville's Petway Transit Mall at Deaderick and Fifth. It drew about 60-65 riders a day. Many now travel in van pools. Its varied schedule tries to accommodate MTSU students and workers coming from Davidson County, as well as employees headed into the capitol city.
Density of population can affect ridership and scheduling.
Mt Juliet is more like 10,000 and is more spread out north to south. The bus cruised east over the Cumberland River and past the new Titans stadium, which the riders have watched crews build. It sped onto Ellington Parkway past scenic stone outcroppings and trees before hitting I-65. Only the driver concentrated on the road. Tommy Bates, slumped in a seat with head thrown back in a snooze, awoke briefly to answer questions.