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City Guide - Nashville - Getting Around | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Getting Around Downtown Nashville is quite small and easily managed on foot. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA; tel: (615) 862 5950; website: www.nashvillemta.org) operates bus and trolley services in Nashville. The Music Valley Express (bus 34), which links downtown with Opryland/Music Valley (one-way fare US$1.75). Once there, the Music Valley Trolley shuttles along Music Drive. The Nashville Trolley Co (tel: (615) 862 5950) operates the Nashville Trolley - a regular service linking downtown with Music Row, Centennial Park, the Cumberland Science Museum and other attractions. It leaves the Visitor Centre on Broadway every 15 minutes (US$1 per trip, US$3 for a one-day pass, US$8 for a three-day pass). The MTA also operates a network of local bus services; fares costs US$0.25 for downtown or US$1.45 for further afield. Taxis There are several taxi services in Nashville but it is far easier to book one by telephone than to find one in the street. If the booking has been made some time ahead, it is sensible to telephone again on the day to confirm. Main firms include Allied Cab (tel: (615) 244 7433); American Rivergate Cab Co (tel: (615) 865 4100); Music City Taxi (tel: (615) 262 0451); and Yellow Cab (tel: (615) 256 0101). Rates start at US$1.50 and go up by US$1.50 per mile. Limousines There are numerous limousine companies serving the Nashville area, including stretch limousines for up to ten passengers. Rates start at about US$50 per hour on weekdays, slightly more at weekends. Companies include Black Tie Limousines (tel: (615) 254 1254); Capital Limousines Inc (tel: (615) 883 6777); Carey of Nashville (tel: (615) 360 8700) and Country Music Limousine (tel: (615) 226 9692). Driving in the City Nashville's roads have not really kept pace with the town's expansion and it is a long-standing joke that Nashville is difficult to navigate. There is just enough of a downtown grid system to lull drivers into a false sense of security but then some streets simply stop, others change their names and some veer off across the river and head for Opryland. Most streets downtown are one way and signposting is poor. Other than this idiosyncracy, driving is no better or worse than any other small American city, although rush hours (0700-0900 and 1600-1800) are best avoided. Right turns on red are legal unless a sign says otherwise. Many of the special parking meter lanes in the city centre are inactive during rush hours; and cars left there during these periods will be towed away. There is a large 24-hour public car park downtown at the junction of First Street South and Broadway, at a cost of US$1 per hour. There are several other parking lots, municipal and private, in that area. Car Hire Service providers include: Alamo (tel: (615) 367 1919); Avis (tel: (615) 361 1212); Budget (tel: (615) 366 0800); Enterprise (tel: (615) 872 7722); National (tel: (615) 361 7467) and Thrifty (tel: (615) 275 4257). To hire a car visitors must have a full driving licence from their home country, be at least 25 years old and have a major credit card for payment. Rates start from US$30 per day for a medium-sized vehicle. Visitors should always check whether rates quoted include Collision Damage Waiver, as this is not automatically included in American car hire rates. Unlimited mileage is also recommended, if excursions are planned for outside the city. Bicycle Hire Cycling is not unheard-of in Nashville and some local commuters go to work this way, but it is fairly uncommon and even less common to see visitors risking the downtown traffic. Most attractions can be reached on foot or by the Nashville Trolley. There are five state bicycle tours in the hills around Nashville, with details available from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (tel: (615) 741 2848). However, it is very difficult to hire bicycles in Nashville. The Nashville Bicycle Club (website: www.coolcats.com/nbc) may be able to provide information. It also organises weekly rides for members, with visitors welcome. |
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