Noting the link between economic growth (and real estate growth) and transit, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce released a major report, Moving Forward, this week. It backs the most comprehensive and far-reaching of the three scenarios outlined in nMotion’s strategic transit plan as a starting point for developing a regional transit plan.

That would mean building transit projects between Nashville and surrounding communities (such as Clarksville, Franklin, Gallatin, Lebanon and Murfreesboro) that can be upgraded to high-capacity transit, like rail, in the future.

Shown: Bridgestone Americas CEO Gary Garfield, speaking in his role as chair of the Moving Forward Coordinating Committee, at the public release of the Moving Forward report.

"The rapid growth our region has enjoyed has led to more jobs, more investment and an influx of new residents, but it has been accompanied by a marked increase in transit congestion," the report noted (pretty much everyone's noticed that as well).

"We're reaching a point at which our region's lack of transit options is negatively affecting our quality of life, environment and economy. In addition, a new generation of workers wants and expects a strong transit infrastructure, making transit a key concern for employers."