Smarter Mobility Begins Here: The 3rd Annual TDM Summit
- jessicadauphin
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
The 3rd Annual Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Summit, hosted by the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) and Nashville Connector, brought together transportation professionals, advocates, and policymakers from across the region and beyond to share ideas for building a more connected, sustainable, and commuter-friendly future.
The Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee was proud to take part in this year’s event—both at the table and on the stage.
Setting the Stage for Regional Mobility
The morning began with welcoming remarks from leaders at the Nashville Connector, the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT), and the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT). Together, they underscored the importance of partnerships and TDM strategies to meet the growing travel needs of a rapidly changing Middle Tennessee.
Nashville and Indianapolis: Lessons in Growth and Investment
Jessica Dauphin, President & CEO of the Transit Alliance, moderated the opening panel discussion: “Indianapolis and Nashville: The Challenges of Growing Transportation Systems Quickly.”
The session featured Steve Bland (WeGo Public Transit), Jennifer Pyrz and Carrie Black (IndyGo, Indianapolis), and Diana Alarcón (NDOT), who explored how each city is responding to rapid growth and rising mobility demands. Panelists discussed how Indianapolis leveraged the success of a transportation referendum to expand service and build public trust—and how Nashville might learn from those experiences as it considers similar paths forward.
“Indianapolis is about a decade ahead of Nashville in funding and infrastructure,” Dauphin noted. “But that gives us an opportunity to learn from their wins and their challenges as we prepare for our own future of mobility investments.”
The conversation emphasized that meaningful public engagement, clear accountability, and sustained investment are key to turning funding into real mobility outcomes for residents.
A Full Day of Learning, Collaboration, and Connection
The Summit continued with sessions on statewide TDM initiatives, regional collaboration, and the integration of innovative travel strategies across university campuses and major special events. Speakers from TDOT, Vanderbilt University, the TMA Group, the Mayor’s Office, and the Tennessee Titans shared insights on innovation, commuter engagement, and the coordination it takes to keep Nashville moving.
Throughout the day, the Transit Alliance team hosted a table, engaging with attendees about our programs, meeting new partners and supporters, and reconnecting with graduates of the Transit Citizen Leadership Academy (TCLA). These moments of conversation and collaboration reinforced the strength of the region’s growing mobility network and the shared commitment to making transportation in Middle Tennessee more reliable, equitable, and sustainable.
Looking Ahead
Events like the TDM Summit remind us that advancing mobility takes all of us—transit agencies, employers, city departments, advocates, and everyday commuters—working together toward a common goal. The Transit Alliance remains dedicated to being that bridge: connecting people, information, and action so that Middle Tennessee can continue to move forward.
Stay connected with us as we continue these regional conversations on mobility and growth—because our future is riding on transit.