As Nashville continues to grow and evolve, the need for convenient and environmentally friendly transportation options has become increasingly important. Recognizing this need, Vanderbilt University created , a bold transportation and mobility plan designed to rethink how the Vanderbilt community gets around.
MoveVU aims to shift the daily commute by encouraging alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, with a focus on giving people the power to make sustainable travel choices every day.
Vanderbilt鈥檚 Transportation and Mobility Office, established in 2018, leads the university鈥檚 efforts to rethink transportation, including the MoveVU partnership with , which offers free access to local buses, regional routes and the WeGo Star commuter train for all full-time and part-time students, faculty, staff and postdocs.
Connecting with culture: A WeGo trip to NMAAM
The recently took advantage of this partnership on a journey to the , an esteemed university partner and cultural gem in the heart of downtown Nashville. Boarding a WeGo bus at 21st Avenue and West End, the GCR team experienced firsthand how public transportation can connect the university community to Nashville鈥檚 cultural landmarks.
During their visit to NMAAM, the team explored an exhibit showcasing artifacts from Vanderbilt professor and award-winning songwriter 鈥檚 latest book My Black Country. The display featured her black-and-green leather cowgirl boots alongside sleek, glossy black Dolce & Gabbana heels鈥攖he very shoes she wore as she made her mark in country music history.
Earlier this year, the Vanderbilt GCR team partnered with local artist Elisheba Israel Mrozik to create , a mural inspired by Randall鈥檚 book that honors the pioneering contributions of Black artists to country music.
The team also explored Black Music. Black Life., a special exhibit at NMAAM by artist, author and Vanderbilt professor of African American and diaspora studies . This powerful collection, on display until Nov. 30, explores the resilience, intelligence and dynamism that is inextricably bound in聽Black experience and music.
After visiting the museum, the team headed next door for lunch at Assembly Food Hall, one of Nashville鈥檚 most popular destinations.
Vanderbilt public transit options
Find out how you can take advantage of sustainable transportation options and explore the city in a whole new way. Learn more about the free public transit benefit, the QuickTicket system and how to ride on Vanderbilt鈥檚 .
Visit NMAAM
Thanks to a partnership between Vanderbilt University聽and NMAAM, all Vanderbilt undergraduate and graduate students can enjoy free admission to the museum鈥檚 galleries and exhibitions with a valid student ID. Consider riding to the museum for free with聽WeGo Transit.