Triple Bottom Line Analysis for Nashville Transit Plan

Overview

As Nashville grows by nearly 100 new residents each day, the strain on its transportation infrastructure has become increasingly unsustainable. In response, the city introduced Let’s Move Nashville—a long-term mobility plan aimed at easing congestion, expanding public transit, and fostering inclusive growth. The plan proposed a comprehensive overhaul of the regional transit system, including the development of light rail, bus rapid transit lines, and expanded service frequency and coverage.

Let’s Move Nashville represented more than a transportation upgrade—it was a comprehensive strategy to guide the city toward a more connected, equitable, and resilient future. By investing in modern transit, the initiative aimed to enhance livability, reduce vehicle dependence, and improve access to opportunity for communities across Davidson County.

Wilmot’s Role

Wilmot conducted an evaluation of the Let’s Move Nashville plan to assess its long-term value through a triple bottom line lens. This analysis measured the initiative’s projected impacts on:

  • Economic development

  • Safety

  • Public health

  • Emissions reduction

  • Traffic alleviation

  • Equitable access to jobs, education, and fresh food

Each factor was modeled to reflect both short-term outcomes and future-facing benefits. In addition to the benefit-cost assessment, Wilmot performed an economic impact analysis to estimate the contribution of the plan’s capital investment to Davidson County’s economy—quantifying job creation, labor income, and added economic value. By applying a rigorous, data-driven approach, Wilmot helped demonstrate how Let’s Move Nashville could serve as a cornerstone for sustainable urban growth and regional prosperity.

Results

  • $4.8B in added wealth to the local economy

  • 3,850 jobs supported per year

  • $7.2M in annual avoided air pollutant and greenhouse gas damages

  • $43M in annual travel time savings

  • $15.1M in annual health improvement benefits

Client

Metro Public Words

Metro Transit Authority

Location

Nashville, TN

Markets

Municipal

Transportation

Services

Triple Bottom Line Cost-Benefit Analysis

Economic Impact Analysis

Geospatial Analysis

What is Wilmot’s Triple Bottom Line analysis?

A full-cost accounting of environmental, social, and economic impacts, providing a dollar value cost or benefit for each aspect your project is considering.