Source: Franklin Transit Facebook

For parents looking for a safe way for their kids to get around town, and for teens ready for a little more independence, Franklin Transit is offering an opportunity to try public transportation in Franklin.

Teens Try Transit Day, a free event designed to introduce teens to public transportation in Franklin, takes place Wednesday, July 22, from 10 am to 3 pm. The event is open to youth ages 12 to 18 and will allow participants to ride Franklin Transit’s Blue Route at no cost while visiting several destinations around town.

The goal is to give teens a fun, low-pressure way to learn how public transit works, where it goes, and how it can help them move around Franklin on their own.

The day begins at the Franklin Transit Center, located at 708 Columbia Avenue in downtown Franklin. Participants should check in beginning at 10 am, where they will receive a complimentary wallet filled with coupons and special offers, along with ride materials for the day.

From there, teens can hop on and off the Blue Route bus to visit participating stops throughout Franklin. The route will operate every 30 minutes during the event, giving riders the flexibility to create their own itinerary.

Stops and activities include:

  • Downtown Franklin Transit Center
    Participants will receive a free wallet with coupons for the day, along with a free frisbee.
  • Downtown Franklin
    Teens can enjoy a complimentary ice cream treat from Kilwins Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop.
  • The Factory at Franklin
    Participants can create a keepsake zine with artist and educator Anna Skates aboard the Department of Curious Things Field Bus, ride the Carousel of Dreams, and enjoy a complimentary Bubble Love boba tea.
  • CoolSprings Galleria
    Teens can receive a complimentary Chick-fil-A meal coupon while spending time shopping and visiting with friends.

Franklin Transit staff and community volunteers will be available throughout the day to answer questions and help riders navigate the route. Parents are welcome to participate as well.

According to Debbie Henry, President and CEO of The TMA Group, Teens Try Transit Day is designed to give young riders more than just a ride. The event gives teens a chance to learn how public transportation works while spending the day exploring local destinations, enjoying free activities and building confidence along the way. Parents are also welcome to take part.

For parents, the event offers a practical introduction to a transportation option their children may be able to use beyond one summer day. Franklin Transit provides service throughout Franklin and Williamson County, and riders ages 12 and older may ride independently.

Franklin Transit Offers 50-Cent Summer Rides for Teens and Tweens

Once teens learn how to use Franklin Transit, they can continue riding throughout the summer at a discounted rate. Through the Teens and Tweens Ride for 50 Cents summer special, youth ages 12 to 18 can ride Franklin Transit fixed routes one way for 50 cents from May 22 through August 10.

The routes connect riders to destinations including Independence Square, Cool Springs, Fieldstone Farms, the Williamson County Recreation Center, The Factory at Franklin, CoolSprings Galleria, the Williamson County Public Library and Downtown Franklin. All Franklin Transit vehicles are equipped with bike racks at no additional cost.

That can be helpful for families looking ahead to school activities, part-time jobs, visits with friends, appointments, summer outings, or other local trips where a teen may not always have access to a parent driver.

How to Take Part in Teens Try Transit Day

Families interested in Teens Try Transit Day can begin at the Franklin Transit Center, located at 708 Columbia Avenue in downtown Franklin. Check-in starts at 10 am, where participants will receive their event bag and ride materials before boarding the Blue Route.

Teens are encouraged to walk, bike, or carpool to the transit center before the event begins. Activities and giveaways will be available while supplies last.

Teens Try Transit Day is made possible through partnerships with Bubble Love, Chick-fil-A, Kilwins Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, The Factory at Franklin, Ken Means Carousel of Dreams, Anna Skates’ Department of Curious Things, and the City of Franklin.

For route information and additional details, visit FranklinTransit.org or call 615-628-0260.