FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Lunchtime just got a little more exciting in Franklin.

Starting this week, the city's transit authority is offering free rides from downtown to a popular lunch spot.

Whether you work downtown, live nearby, or are just visiting for the day, the brand new lunch transit makes it easier for people to grab a bite to eat in Franklin.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. you can hop on a bus downtown and be taken to The Factory at Franklin, a popular lunch destination in the city.

News 2's Sophia Radebaugh had an opportunity to see the route in action.

The shuttle loop starts at the Franklin Transit Authority Center on Columbia Avenue. It then makes a stop at Franklin's public square and continues onto the Factory.

With how rapidly the city is growing, parking has become a scare resource, making the lunch shuttle a vital part of the downtown economy.

City leaders said they recognized the issue was getting worse, so the hope is it takes some drivers off the roads during one of the busiest times of the day.

It's been operational for two days so far, and leaders said the pilot program has already been a huge hit with residents and visitors.

"Everybody would expect some initial hiccups and a little time to get the word out, but it's been a pretty good turnout the first couple of days, and even some surprises from a gentleman from out of the country who was aware of it," Franklin Transit Authority Multimodal Coordinator Max Baker told News 2.

After six months of the pilot program, FTA will assess any changes that need to be made. They'll then make a decision whether it'll stay a permanent fixture in the city.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/franklin-transit-authority-launches-free-lunch-shuttle/