The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) has signed a letter of intent with The Boring Company (TBC) to develop the Music City Loop, an all-electric underground transit system connecting Nashville International Airport (BNA) to key locations in the city.
The project is intended to support the airport’s passenger growth while providing a new transportation option without cost to the airport or taxpayers.
The proposed system will operate TBC-owned vehicles in underground tunnels, providing high-speed transit between BNA and major points in Nashville. The Music City Loop is designed to reduce surface-level roadway congestion and meet or exceed National Fire Protection Association standards for fire and life safety.
Doug Kreulen, President and CEO of MNAA said:Our growth at BNA continues to outpace all projections, and ease of access to the airport is crucial for every passenger we serve. The Airport Authority’s focus is on bringing innovation, technology and enhanced service to ensure we stay ahead of regional growth. This new service gives our passengers another excellent option for reaching BNA in a timely manner. We are delighted to make way for the Music City Loop with The Boring Company.
Under the terms of the agreement, all design, construction, operation, and maintenance costs will be covered by The Boring Company.
Key financial highlights include:
- Zero Capital Investment: The airport will not bear construction or operational costs.
- Revenue Generation: The 50-year agreement is expected to produce about 34 million USD in license fee revenue and approximately 309 million USD from pick-up and drop-off fees.
- Expense Reimbursement: TBC will reimburse MNAA for legal, engineering, and administrative costs related to the project.
- Sustainability: The system is all-electric and produces zero emissions.
BNA anticipates handling up to 40 million passengers annually at Terminal I, with plans for a future Terminal II to accommodate 70 million passengers. The underground system is designed to provide an efficient alternative to surface travel, removing millions of vehicles from area roadways each year.
The project is part of the airport’s broader strategy to integrate new transit solutions into its master plan while accommodating continued growth in Middle Tennessee.
Kreulen added:At BNA, we were the first airport to embrace ride-share, and we see this tunnel system as a further step in transit innovation for our passengers and the broader Middle Tennessee community. This partnership reflects thoughtful planning, collaboration and our commitment to fiscal responsibility. By diversifying our transportation options to and from the airport and securing new revenue streams needed to fund future MNAA debt without burdening taxpayers, our goal is to ensure BNA remains competitive, accessible and financially strong for decades to come.
