New Nashville Bus Route to Boost Southeast Commutes
The new crosstown transit service will improve employee and customer access for businesses in the southeast corridor.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Nashville transit authority WeGo will launch the new Route 73 in southeast Nashville on January 3, 2027. This crosstown service aims to improve access between residential and retail hubs by eliminating the need for downtown transfers.
Why it matters
The route expansion responds to significant growth in the Antioch population and a recent 26% increase in ridership on existing crosstown lines. By streamlining commutes, the change increases the accessibility of labor and customer pools for local businesses in the area.
The new route cuts travel time from 90 minutes to 30 minutes, capitalizing on a 26% spike in crosstown ridership from the previous fiscal year. This expansion serves a population in Antioch that nearly doubled to 99,000 residents between 2000 and 2020.
The players
WeGo
The public transit authority responsible for managing and operating the bus network throughout Nashville.
Tanger Outlet Mall
A major retail hub in southeast Nashville that will serve as a key stop on the new transit route.
The details
Route 73 enables direct travel between Nolensville Pike and Hickory Hollow without requiring a transfer in downtown Nashville. Buses will operate at a frequency of 30 to 40 minutes, creating a direct link to major retail destinations including the Tanger Outlet Mall. This operational shift prioritizes dense corridors that have seen recent municipal investments, such as the Southeast Police Precinct and Mariposa Park.
Timeline
2000-2020: Antioch population grew from 51,000 to 99,000.
November 2025: Southeast Police Precinct opened.
July 2026: Mariposa Park opened.
October 2026: Route 73 expansion approved.
January 3, 2027: Route 73 begins service.
Market Landscape
This route launch follows the development pattern established by the WeGo Public Transit Strategic Plan to prioritize crosstown connectivity over traditional hub-and-spoke models. The expansion aligns with recent municipal infrastructure projects in southeast Nashville, including the new police precinct and public park facilities.
Employers and retailers near the new route should prepare for increased foot traffic and potential changes to employee commuting patterns. Monitoring transit schedules will be essential for adjusting staffing levels and shift start times to align with the new 30-to-40-minute bus frequency.
The takeaway
Operators should view the new route as a signal of increased density and connectivity in southeast Nashville that could alter local labor availability. Keep an eye on ridership data for the new line to determine if it impacts foot traffic near your business site in early 2027.
Further reading
For more on infrastructure developments, visit Nashville Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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Should your local government prioritize funding for new crosstown bus routes to improve community transit access?
