How snow affects WeGo bus routes in Nashville, from detours and delays to cancellations
What changes when winter weather hits
Snow and ice can change how WeGo Public Transit operates in Nashville, primarily by shifting some bus lines onto pre-planned “snow route detours,” reducing overall service levels, and warning riders to expect slower trips and stop-by-stop adjustments. The underlying goal is to keep buses on roads more likely to be passable and to avoid steep grades, neighborhood streets, and other segments that are harder to navigate safely during freezing conditions.
WeGo’s winter operations reflect a key reality of Middle Tennessee storms: road conditions can vary widely by area and change throughout the day, including the risk of refreezing after temperatures drop. That means a route can move on and off a snow detour as conditions evolve, and riders may see changes even within the same service day.
Snow detours: which routes are most likely to change
WeGo has established pre-planned snow route detours for specific lines that are more affected by winter conditions. These detours are designed to keep service moving while avoiding higher-risk segments.
- 3 West End
- 14 Whites Creek
- 17 12th Avenue South
- 18 Airport
- 19 Herman
- 22 Bordeaux
- 23 Dickerson Pike
- 28 Meridian
- 29 Jefferson
- 41 Golden Valley
- 42 St. Cecilia / Cumberland
- 50 Charlotte Pike
- 52 Nolensville Pike
- 70 Bellevue
- 71 Trinity
- 75 Midtown
- 77 Thompson / Wedgewood
- 79 Skyline
- 84 Murfreesboro
For riders, the practical impact is that buses may bypass certain stops, serve alternate corridors, or use different turning movements to stay on safer roads. Riders who regularly use any of these lines are advised to review their detour patterns before winter weather arrives.
Service levels may shift to a reduced schedule
In winter events, WeGo has also used a reduced schedule systemwide, including operating buses and paratransit on a Saturday schedule while snow routes are in effect. During winter weather operations documented in January and February 2025, WeGo continued service with snow detours while adjusting what ran at normal weekday levels and what did not run, particularly affecting some regional bus service.
Operational changes can include snow detours, reduced schedules, and delays as drivers proceed cautiously based on road conditions.
Delays, real-time tracking, and rider planning
Even when routes remain in service, winter operations typically mean longer travel times. WeGo has cautioned riders to allow extra time and to verify route status before leaving for a stop. Real-time tools and updated route status information are used to reflect which lines are on snow detours, which are running normally, and which may be canceled if conditions deteriorate.
For paratransit (WeGo Access), service may continue with the expectation of delays, and riders can be notified if conditions become unsafe for travel in certain areas.