NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's an issue that has been debated for the last several years, party buses driving through downtown Nashville.
On Thursday, the Transportation Licensing Commissioners will decide the future of more than 30 'transportainment' companies.
The group Safe Fun Nashville, who has been pushing for more regulations on party buses, is hoping some of the applications to continue operating will get denied.
It was a packed a room inside the Davidson County Transportation Licensing Commission meeting.
But the reason why all these people are here is decide the future of entertainment transportation vehicles ETV, also known as 'transportainment'
"If our patrons managed to get downtown to the Schermerhorn they’re the assaulted by the noise and drunkenness of ETV riders," said Tonya McBride Roble, chief operating officer for the Nashville Symphony.
The group Safe Fun Nashville, has been pushing for more regulations on party buses.
Members are hoping some of the applications to continue operating will get denied.
Many nearby businesses like the Schermerhorn Symphony expressed the same feelings.
"It’s going to kill our downtown institutions like the symphony will simply not survive nor will any of the event venues if the people who live here keep having these kinds of experiences when trying to enjoy what a sports arts entertainment venues have to offer," said Roble.
The Nashville Department of Transportation previously recommended the number of ETV's be reduced from 89 to 40 due to increased downtown traffic.
"What are they all going to do if they cut down all of our businesses? What's everybody going to do besides go to a bar," said Tiffany Krech with Extreme Party Management.
Extreme Party Management has been in business since 2019.
"Right now, you got one, we have one permit. We are hoping to get two more," said Parris McKinney Jr., the owner.
McKinney and his business partner Krech say operation now with one bus is not good for business.
"It's definitely a concern. I follow all the news. I follow all the things I do, It's a concern for me. It's a concern for our business as a group, but more than anything, it's a concern for people coming to Nashville for things to do."
There will be a public hearing where people can speak up for or against the entertainment transportation vehicles hoping for licensing.
Last year more regulations went into effect that banned open containers on party vehicles with open roofs and no side barriers.
Thursday's meeting started at 12:30 at the Metro courthouse and the hearing for transportainment is at the end of the agenda.
