bus tour edmonton to nashville

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE GETAWAY CHARTERS WEBSITE

We're pleased to introduce our Charter Service serving Central and Southern Alberta residents, taking you wherever you need to go - across town or across the continent!

Our getaway charters service is ideal for local group charters, large group shuttles and sporting teams. our experienced drivers will ensure your trip is safe, relaxed and ready to roll - from the road to the hotel, our prevost h3-45 motor coaches are all 2017 models or newer and updated with the latest health and safety measures. these beautiful units are fully state-of-the-art with the latest and most comfortable features to make your travel more enjoyable. at getaway charters we will ensure you receive a professional, best-in-class experience for your trip, travel or vacation., our 15 and 30 passenger luxury mini-coaches are ideal for corporate retreats, wedding parties or group tours, call getaway charters today at 1.800.494.7579 for tickets to a truly superior charter bus service., our charter bus amenities include:.

• Seating for up to 56 passengers
• 110 Volt Power to each seat (perfect for keeping your devices charged)
• High Back Reclining Seats
• DVD players with five monitors throughout.
• Spacious Restrooms
• Climate Control
• Luggage Bays
• PA and Video systems

safe, secure, reliable.

We'd love to hear from you  , subscribe to our mailing list, let us stay in touch with you so you can be among the first to know about our upcoming getaways.

Unleash the power of togetherness, Guided Group Tours Redefined!

Upcoming Tours

Creating the Perfect Tour

Preplanning.

• Begins usually a minimum of 1 year in advance of the tour departure date.
• Planning a route (which usually means driving it personally by the tour planner) with sought after attractions.
• Making sure that route allows for well timed meals and break stops that are at the customers best interests
• Timing, make sure time aboard the bus is kept to a minimum and attractions are kept to a maximum
• Ensuring comfortable quality accommodations, to get that well deserved rest at the end of the day!

EXECUTE THE PLAN

• Having a Bus Driver and Tour Director who work well together executing the tour itinerary and plan laid out for them.
• Keep the tour on schedule to ensure customers experience is postive
• Understanding in dealing with customers’ concerns.
• Educate, Inform, Entertain and have Fun with the group.
• Make decisions on the go when unplanned and unexpected changes need to be made.

CUSTOMER PARTICIPATION

• Arriving with an open mind to group travel, which is different from individual travel, is the first step to a successful enjoyable tour.
• Participate in the bus activities that are offered.
• Be aware that food and accommodations may not be the same as what you are used to as these are selected for the best interests of a group.
• Talk to your fellow passengers, join them at meal stops or for an evening coffee or social.
• Lend a helping hand if you see a fellow passenger struggle with something.
• Be willing to step outside the box and explore the new areas we are seeing.

Mission Statement

As a small family owned tour company, we strive to create a stress free and personalized experience for our customers from start to finish.  From your first point of contact to returning from your guided group tour, we are a hands-on company handling each detail of your journey.

• Testimonials

I had not been to the Maritimes and NFLD before. This was a bucket list trip for me and I was so looking forward to seeing as much of all the provinces as I could. That's a lot to cover in one trip! But besides all the main attractions, this tour covered so much more than expected! The Tour guides were exceptional--sharing all kinds of history, local information, all the sites, sounds and even tastes of the places we saw. The additional activities like the Lobster Cruise, Kitchen Party, Oyster Shucking and Ceilidh really rounded out the whole trip.. Our driver was an absolute master at his job! It was really interesting watching him manage the huge tour bus - in and out of any place we wanted to see. Great job! And finally, I want to commend Bryon and his team at Promotion Tours, who built this tour, and managed every detail with the utmost efficiency and professionalism. It was my first trip with Promotion Tours, but it will not be my last! Thank you all.

I want to thank you and promotion tours for a wonderful holiday in Atlantic Canada. This was not my first tour with Promotion nor my last I hope. Everything about the tour was excellent. The tour guides and bus driver were exceptional; helpful, friendly, informative, and always with a smile. It truly was a 'taste of Atlantic Canada', leaving me with the hope I will return to explore it again.

Hello, I wanted to say that the trip to Tulalip was absolutely fantastic. The resort was a 10 the service was great. The driver and attendant were the absolute best, went beyond and above to make us all happy and comfortable. This was our first bus tour and we are looking to book next year, Thanks ever so much to you both and the driver Elisa and attendant Paulette.

What a fun filled adventure our tour group had. Exciting times and glorious sightseeing! Deadwood was a trip back in time. How the West was won! Awesome trips to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the Devil's Tower. Highly recommend the trip!

What an incredible trip! Special thanks to Pro Tours for all the work in planning such a fabulous trip full of historical sites, events, ever changing landscapes, culture and food experiences. Special thanks to Monique, our tour director for her enthusiasm and to Eelke, our coach driver for his professionalism. Also special thanks to all the passengers for their friendliness. Eugene and I highly recommend Pro Tours for your next trip.

Newsletter Signup

First Name *

Last Name *

Email (required) *

Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Pro Tours. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

QUICK LINKS

• Travel Insurance
• Custom Tours
• 780-460-4408 Call or Text!
• [email protected]
• St Albert, AB

Copyright 2024 – Website by Frontline Web Consulting | Formerly known as Promotion Tours.

• Laugh your way thru Music City!

Nashville Redneck Tour

Quick Details

• Star Outline What to Bring: Please bring your digital or printed confirmation with you and a good sense of humor!
• Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery

Where to Meet: 

THE SCOREBOARD BAR & GRILL 2408 Music Valley Drive Nashville, TN 37214

FREE PARKIN’ BEHIND THE NASHVILLE PALACE

Laugh Your Way Through Nashville!

Ever wonder.

• If there are country stars still singin’ down on Music Row?
• What are they printin’ in Printers Alley?
• Where’s the Honky Tonk Highway?
• Are Mullets & Camo still cool?
• If you’re a lil’ Hillbilly or a straight-up Redneck?

Related Tours

• PERFECT FOR GROUPS! (25 PEOPLE +)
• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Private Nashville Tour

Experience a private fun-filled bus tour of Nashville and see the most famous and historic sites with just your group!

• NASHVILLE — FESTIVE FUN

Nashville Christmas Light Tour

Time to dig out those tacky holiday sweaters, join in some rowdy Christmas carolin’ (Redneck style) & jingle all the way through Nashville with new found friends!

Alaska & The Yukon All Coach

Enjoy the rugged scenic beauty, animals in their natural habitat, and the northern culture on the Alaska and the Yukon tour. Visit the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks in Alaska, and Yukon’s Dawson City, a Klondike Gold Rush boom town. Revisit the mining history of the region. Discover the iconic Signpost Forest. Enjoy the entertainment at Diamond Tooth Gerties, built in 1901 and operated by the Klondike Visitors Association. All aboard the Prince William Sound Cruise where you will see wildlife, waterfalls, picturesque coastal scenery, and tidewater glaciers. Experience the best of the north!

Day 1 – Regina, SK to Edmonton, AB

Commencing our journey from Regina, we'll head northward, rendezvousing with fellow travellers in Saskatoon, before arriving in Edmonton to welcome our fly-in guests for the first evening.

Day 2 – Edmonton to Fort St. John, BC

Dawson Creek stands as the inauguration point of the legendary Alaskan Highway, signified by  Mile 0 . Our schedule includes a pause at this juncture for a memorable photo opportunity, accompanied by a warm  Highway Welcome  courtesy of the Dawson Creek Visitor Centre . Additionally, we'll receive our cherished  Mile 0 Pin . As the day concludes, an evening  welcome reception  awaits us at the hotel.

Day 3 – Fort St. John to Fort Nelson, BC

As you bid farewell to Fort St. John, the sense of embarking on a grand northern adventure truly takes hold. Upon reaching Fort Nelson, our journey will include captivating visits to both the  Fort Nelson Heritage Museum  and the  Fort Nelson Visitor Centre .

Day 4 – Fort Nelson to Watson Lake, BC

Prepare to be captivated by the stunning scenery; you will be treated to an abundance of it in the days ahead, you will even have a high chance to see black bears, bison, and stone sheep. In the early afternoon, we will pause at  Laird Hot Springs , offering the perfect opportunity to take a relaxing dip in the inviting warm waters. A delightful  picnic lunch  is included here. As the day draws to a close, our next stop brings us to the  Signpost Forest . You're encouraged to bring along your own sign, and your tour director will be on hand with everything necessary to help you put it up!

Day 5 – Watson Lake to Whitehorse, YT

As you journey towards Whitehorse, the enchanting vistas of northern Canada will continue to unveil themselves. Upon arrival, you'll be treated to the picturesque beauty of  Miles Canyon . We've also planned for a visit to the  S.S. Klondike Historical Site, where you'll partake in a guided tour of the grounds and have the opportunity to watch a captivating film about one of Canada's rare surviving steam-powered paddle wheelers.

Day 6 – Whitehorse to Dawson City, YT

Departing from Whitehorse, we venture deeper into the pristine Yukon wilderness on our way to Dawson City. En route, we'll pause for a delightful picnic lunch, setting the stage for our arrival in the authentic frontier town of Dawson City. Here, history comes alive amidst gravel roads and wooden sidewalks, offering a vivid glimpse into the Gold Rush era. Tonight, prepare to be entertained at  Diamond Tooth Gerties , where a troupe of skilled singers and dancers, accompanied by live musicians, will mesmerize you with a traditional Cancan show. Later in the evening, we invite you to join us for a champagne toast atop the  Midnight Dome , offering breathtaking views overlooking Dawson City.

Day 7 – Dawson City

Begin your morning by exploring the wonders of the  Dawson City Museum  - a fitting starting point for your exploration of this charming town. As the day progresses, you'll embark on an incredible  City Tour of Dawson City , delving into its rich history and its pivotal role in the gold rush. This tour will also lead you to the remarkable  Dredge #4 Historical Site , offering a unique opportunity to step inside and experience its historical significance firsthand.

Day 8 – Dawson City to Fairbanks, AK

Our morning begins with an extended journey as we bid farewell to Dawson City. Venturing along the famed  'Top of the World'  highway, we cross into Alaska. Along the way, we'll pause briefly at the iconic  'Welcome to Alaska'  sign for a memorable photo opportunity. Our journey then leads us to the Delta Junction Visitor Centre , where we'll collect our  Alaska Highway Certificates , marking the significant accomplishment of completing the Alaska Highway. Finally, our day concludes as we arrive in the vibrant city of Fairbanks.

Day 9 – Fairbanks

To kick off our morning, we'll embark on a  City Tour of Fairbanks , getting acquainted with its unique charms. Part of the tour includes a stop at the renowned  Santa Claus House , adding a touch of holiday magic to our journey.

For lunch, a  hearty Alaskan meal  awaits us at the Riverboat Discovery Dining Hall. Afterward, board the  Riverboat Discovery  and embark on an incredible riverboat adventure along Alaska's waterways. During this excursion, you'll witness the thrill of a bush floatplane taking off alongside the boat, visit the champion sled dogs and their kennels, and immerse yourself in the ancient Athabascan Indian culture at the Chena Indian Village.

As the late afternoon sets in, gather for an  Alaskan Salmon Bake Dinner , followed by an enchanting evening show titled  'The Golden Heart Revue' , hosted at the Palace Theatre.

Day 10 – Fairbanks to Anchorage, AK

As we bid farewell to Fairbanks, our journey leads us southward to Anchorage. En route, we'll follow the scenic Parks Highway , which grants us spectacular vistas of Denali Park and the majestic mountain itself. Along this picturesque route, we'll make a well-deserved stop at  Denali Viewpoint South , providing the perfect opportunity to capture memorable photos and stretch our legs. Our adventure continues as we reach Anchorage, where we'll settle in for the next two nights.

Day 11 – Anchorage

Our morning kicks off with a captivating  City Tour of Anchorage , the largest city in Alaska. This tour promises a wealth of intriguing stops, and one highlight is a visit to 'Alaska Wild Berry Products' , where you can marvel at the world's largest chocolate waterfall!

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can opt to relax and explore Anchorage independently, taking in its unique charms, or take some time to prepare for the exciting week-long cruise adventure that lies ahead.

Day 12 – Anchorage to Valdez

Departing Anchorage today, we head to Whittier, being sure to sneak a couple photo stops in. After some free time in this gateway town, we embark on a cruise through the stunning Prince William Sound . Our vessel will gracefully navigate closer to the glaciers than the larger ships can, making this day a highlight of our journey.

*Baggage Handling is not available at the Valdez hotel

Day 13 – Valdez to Tok, AK

Leaving Valdez behind, our journey takes us deeper into the heart of Alaska's interior. En route, we are treated to breathtaking Alaskan landscapes, including the sights of Horsetail Falls, Bridal View Falls, and the awe-inspiring Worthington Glacier. Upon reaching Tok, we will take a moment to explore the Visitor Center and do some souvenir shopping, before retiring to our hotel for the night.

Day 14 – Tok to Whitehorse, YT

We will return to Whitehorse today, after finishing the big loop through Alaska, but we aren’t finished yet!

*Baggage Handling is not available at the Whitehorse hotel

Day 15 – Whitehorse to Skagway, Alaska And Return

Today, we embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the  White Pass & Yukon Railroad . Starting in Fraser, BC, you'll traverse 27.7 miles of awe-inspiring mountain passes, picturesque bridges, and fascinating tunnels, all while enjoying a fully narrated train ride. Our journey concludes in Skagway, Alaska, where you'll have time to explore this quaint town, once the bustling gateway for countless gold seekers during the historic gold rush era. In the evening, we return back to Whitehorse.

Day 16 – Whitehorse to Watson Lake

Some of this route will be familiar territory, but there is always something new to see. This evening we stop at the  Northern Lights Space & Science Centre  which boasts a state-of-the-art full dome video and surround sound system that explains the science and folklore of the Northern Lights.

Day 17 – Watson Lake to Fort Nelson, BC

Getting out of the Alaskan and Yukon wilderness our scenery changes to the more familiar, beautiful British Columbia.

Day 18 – Fort Nelson to Fort St. John

As we head further south our Alaskan adventure may be over but we still have lots of beautiful scenery rolling by our window and lots of fun on our coach. This evening join your Tour Director, Driver and Friends in our  WestWorld Tours Farewell Dinner.

Day 19 – Fort St. John to Edmonton, AB

Travelling today you can reminisce about our wonderful tour and make plans to meet up again with newfound friends.

Day 20 – Edmonton to Regina, SK

Say goodbye to your fellow travellers this morning as the coach departs Edmonton for Regina, via Saskatoon with drop offs along the way.

Fly-in travellers depart at your leisure.

Dates & Prices

Double occupancy, triple occupancy, single occupancy.

All prices are per person and include taxes and fees. Prices are in CAD.

Not included in price:

• Gratuities for Tour Director and Driver
• Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
• Any personal expenses
• Travel Insurance
• Pre or post tour arrangements
• Airport transfers

Passengers not needing rooms in Edmonton:

Double: Deduct $105.00pp

Triple: Deduct $78.75pp

Single: Deduct $210.00pp

Pick up locations:  Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Edmonton. Other pick up locations along the route are available upon request.

Tour Highlights

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

Also known as “The Scenic Railway of the World”. Take a journey to see the splendid panorama of mountains, glaciers and gorges; waterfalls, tunnels and trestles. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views and historic commentary.

Golden Heart Revue

Through songs and stories, watch the historical highlights of Fairbanks, also known as “The Golden Heart City”.

Riverboat Discovery including lunch

Sit back and be taken into the heart of Alaska and learn about a family who has made the rivers of Alaska their way of life for five generations.

Salmon Bake Dinner

Take in an authentic Alaskan dining experience in a truly unique environment.

Watson Lake Signpost Forest

Travelers from around the world have been bringing signs from their hometowns to the Sign Post Forest since 1942. Don’t forget yours!

Diamond Tooth Gerties

Canada’s First Casino. Since 1971 Diamond Tooth Gerties has been wowing visitors with it’s unique Klondike period style, can-can entertainment and friendly charm.

The Midnight Dome

This incredible vantage point has panoramic views of the region. Marvel in the beauty of the Yukon River and Klondike Valleys.

Fort Nelson Museum

 With a “transportation” theme, the collections now consist of more than just antique cars and trucks.

Explore the cities of Dawson City, Fairbanks and Anchorage with local guides.

It was a wonderful experience. Thanks to all of our fellow travellers for being so friendly and making our trip so enjoyable. This trip offered way more value than expected.  Jane and Bob Beach - Regina, SK

On the whole it was a super trip and we did enjoy every minute! Yes yes yes yes we would recommend this tour to our friends!  Eileen Goddard - Regina, SK

WestWorld provides a well rounded Yukon/Alaska experience. Every day felt like a new adventure! Lloyd & Donna Bruner, Leask, SK

The Tour) It was worth every dime! There are two very important people on the tour. The most important person on a bus trip is the driver. And ours didn't fall short on anything. He not only displayed good driving but his good sense of humour and his treatment of the pas, treats each passenger as special, knows how to bring harmony to a group and seems to have no end of ideas to make the trip exciting and memorable.  Robert & Adeline Wuschenny, Regina

Would you recommend this tour to your friends? Yes! Yes! Yes! Did we give you value? Absolutely - I couldn't have asked for more.  Bev Smith, Melville

We most certainly (received value for our money). Picnics were very good. Most definitely (will recommend to friends)  Nancy Pries - Winnipeg, MB

This is our 3rd trip with WestWorld and have enjoyed every one; looking forward to going with you again sometime.  Gerald & Ruth Prost - Weyburn, SK

This was one of the best tours I have been on, very well organized. Tour director was so nice. The bus driver went out of his way to be helpful  Carole Farrel - Regina, SK

Would never have seen or learned as much of the "North" had we driven same area on our own. Was a great group to travel with. Yes (you gave us value for our money)  Marilyn Wignes - Watrous

Yes we would highly recommend it (to our friends). An excellent tour guide, he knew & explained about everything on this trip. His humour and one liners were the best. Our driver was a very courteous, safe, excellent, humorous man that couldn't seem to do enough for each of us. He stopped many times to show us the wildlife along the roads we travelled.  Ken & Lois Woods - Arcola

We enjoy WestWorld Tours very much because every detail of your trip is very well taken care of. So just sit back & enjoy with no worries. Thanks you Fred & Ted.  Linda Bento - Caron, SK

Yes (we would recommend to our friends) the scenery was beautiful, northern people very friendly. Everything was excellent I would not remove anything from the tour!  Bob & Val Crush - Sherwood Park, AB

This was the BEST BUS TOUR we have ever been on.. Ted & Fred made a great team. We will definitely through WestWorld Tours again!  Sharon Huff - Winnipeg Beach, MB

Nashville's $3.1B transit plan: What's in it and how much it will cost taxpayers

Mayor Freddie O'Connell on Friday unveiled the estimated $3.1 billion final transit plan and accompanying sales tax increase that will appear on Nashville voters' ballots this November.

If voters approve, a half-cent sales tax increase would fund accelerated expansion of Nashville's bus system, build out dozens of miles of sidewalks and bike lanes and upgrade nearly 600 traffic signals to better handle vehicle congestion.

O'Connell addressed a packed room at the Southeast Community Center in Antioch, which is slated to become a neighborhood transit center, wearing a Peanuts transit-themed tie. The program, he said, draws from 70 previous studies and plans for improving Nashville's transit, as well as more that 66,000 points of input collected from the public over the last several years.

"It's not a new conversation, but it is a new opportunity," O'Connell said. "It is an opportunity to move after being stuck for so long, and it's an opportunity to invest in ourselves and the people who make our city go, and … invest in options for how to move around the city conveniently and safely."

The cost of the total "Choose How You Move" package , including funds set aside for anti-displacement and equity initiatives, is currently estimated around $3.1 billion in 2024 dollars, according to plan documents.

Recurring costs may total an estimated $111 million. The plan's financial elements are undergoing a third-party audit and review by the state comptroller, and more financial details are expected to be released upon the review's completion.

The tax increase will cover around 40% of the plan's total cost, with the remainder expected to be funded through fares, bonds and state and federal programs. Having a dedicated source of transit funding will make Nashville more competitive for limited federal grant funds, O'Connell said.

An average family will pay about $70 per year or less through the higher sales tax to fund it, O'Connell said Friday, adding that people who live closest to transit today save around $200 per year than households located farther away.

The announcement comes seven months into O'Connell's first year as mayor, and solidifies the path forward for what could ultimately be one of his most consequential decisions as Nashville's top elected official.

He announced his intention to push forward with a transit referendum in February, aiming for a Nov. 5 vote that coincides with the typically higher turnout of a presidential election. O'Connell's administration has been working on a tight timeline to clear the state and local hurdles necessary to get the plan on the ballot.

The comptroller's review of the program's financial details is expected to be complete by May 31.

The administration will solicit public feedback and seek approval from Metro Council — all before the final ballot text is due to the Davidson County Election Commission on Aug. 22. In the meantime, O'Connell and other supporters of the plan will campaign for public support. The "Nashville Moves" campaign to support the transit improvement program will launch Friday evening.

"It's your move, Nashville," he said. "Let's go."

What's in the Nashville transit plan?

Nearly 60% of the transit improvement program focuses on the expansion and enhancement of WeGo bus services. Light rail, which is about five times more expensive to install than a comprehensive bus service, is not part of the plan.

"Choose How You Move" would nearly double WeGo service from current levels, updating dozens of routes, creating four new express routes and boosting frequency.

Bus system essentials would see significant upgrades, including:

• 285 upgraded bus stops
• 12 new transit centers to support better connections outside of downtown and offer amenities
• 17 park-and-ride locations
• Two bus garages
• 65 new buses

What could Nashville transit look like? New North Nashville center offers glimpse

The program also includes plans to purchase about 26 acres of land adjacent to transit center locations to ultimately be used for things like housing, parks and other public benefits.

Fifty-four miles of high-capacity transit corridors would upgrade roadways for vehicles, buses, cyclists and pedestrians on the city's heaviest traffic routes. Priority bus lanes would be installed in strategic areas to prevent WeGo buses from getting stuck in traffic.

Improvements to sidewalks, signals, streets and safety include:

• 86 miles of sidewalks (when paired with annual capital spending on sidewalks, this would effectively fund all of the city's 2022 WalknBike plan priority sidewalk network)
• 592 replaced or upgraded smart signals that can adapt based on demand and work with a forthcoming traffic management center to reduce time that drivers spend at red lights
• 39 miles of complete streets, including bikeway construction and safety improvements to Nashville's most dangerous roadways

What a sales tax bump means for your wallet

Davidson County residents currently pay 6.25% sales tax on  most groceries  (except prepared foods, alcohol and tobacco, candy and dietary supplements) and 9.25% on everything else.

Raising the local sales tax 0.5% would bump that up to 6.75% for groceries and 9.75% for other taxable goods, bringing Nashville's sales tax to the same level as several surrounding counties.

For a single adult, that could mean paying an extra $4 per month in tax on groceries and other household goods, based on average household costs in Davidson County, according to  MIT's Living Wage Calculator . A family with two adults and two children could pay around $10 more per month in sales tax on those basics.

The plan's proposed timeline

Should the sales tax increase pass in November, the increase could go into effect on Feb. 1, 2025.

Immediate improvements would include:

• WeGo bus service enhancements
• Lighting and safety improvements
• Early improvements to sidewalks, safety measures and traffic signals
• A microtransit pilot program through WeGo Link, which partners with rideshare providers to offer subsidized fare to certain bus stops for riders in less-dense areas of the county

Within two years:

• "Substantial" bus service improvements to hours and frequency
• Sidewalk and upgraded signal installation continues
• The first "Complete Street" project (which will include updates for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and transit users) will be completed

Within five years:

• More than 150 signals will be upgraded along with the Traffic Management Center
• All-Access Corridors begin high-frequency bus service on West End, Charlotte Pike and between Elizabeth Duff Transit Center and South Broadway (through James Robertson Parkway, Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Lafayette Street)

Within 10 years:

• 60 miles of sidewalks will be built
• All-Access Corridors will begin high-frequency bus service on Murfreesboro Pike, Gallatin Pike and Clarksville Pike
• Downtown, All-Access Corridors will provide high-frequency service on James Robertson Parkway linking the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center to the East Bank, and the East Bank to South Broadway via the Gateway Bridge

Within 15 years:

• Nearly 600 traffic signals will be upgraded
• 78 miles of the Vision Zero high-injury network will have safety improvements
• 86 miles of new sidewalk will be complete
• High capacity transit will be available on Dickerson Pike and Nolensville Pike, rounding out service on Nashville's 10 busiest roadways.

What's next for Nashville transit

• May 31: Financial certification from State Comptroller
• June 7: Transit Improvement Plan/Ordinance filed for Metro Council review
• Aug. 6: Metro Council final reading and vote
• Aug. 22: Transit Improvement Plan ballot language must be submitted to the Davidson County Election Commission
• Oct. 16: Early voting begins
• Nov. 5: Election Day

Garang Kuol’s Newcastle ‘challenge’ as promising loan turns to frustration again

Garang Kuol has travelled more than most in his 19 years.

Born in an Eygptian refugee camp to South Sudanese parents, the family eventually made a home in rural Australia.

By 18, Garang was already a star — having made his debut in the A-League for the Central Coast Mariners, played in the World Cup, and signed for Newcastle United.

Advertisement

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Hearts , in Scotland’s capital Edinburgh. Trips with Australia have taken him to France, New Zealand, Kuwait and Qatar.

But even the most ink-stained of passports would not have hinted at a year spent in the tiny Dutch fishing village of Volendam — whose population of 25,000 could fit in St James’ Park twice over.

Only a 40-minute bus ride north of Amsterdam, but culturally a world away, the village is home to the Eredivisie’s most improbable member, Volendam FC, where Kuol has been on loan since August.

Nearby is the village of Edam — yes, home to the famous cheese — but the region’s real connection is to the water. Clapboard houses guard the harbour, old fishing boats bob on the Markermeer, separated from the North Sea by some of the Netherlands’ 22,000km of dykes.

The club’s all-time top scorer Dick Tol, a star of the 1960s, symbolises that connection. Known for his ox-like strength, he was nicknamed “De Knoest” (The Burl) after his grandfather, who earned the title after rescuing his ship during a gale by bailing water from it for eight straight hours.

Volendam is proud of how its inhabitants — and its players — weather the winter storms. It is something Kuol has been forced to endure this year, his slight frame lacking Tol’s broad shoulders.

For a second successive season, a loan which started promisingly has disintegrated through little fault of the 19-year-old’s own. Within three months, Kuol found himself at a club lacking a head coach, an entire technical staff, and a chairman.

After Kuol officially joined Newcastle in January 2023, all parties agreed on an 18-month plan before he would be considered for inclusion in the first-team squad.

The attacker was high-profile — he played at the 2022 World Cup — but still incredibly inexperienced, with just 22 appearances for Central Coast Mariners at a far less competitive level than the Premier League .

It was others who described Kuol as a wonderkid, never the player himself, keenly aware of the development he must undergo to reach the level he wants to play at.

Nevertheless, the attention meant the club was protective, both in terms of his media exposure and his development. After so many moves, and with a work permit also a factor, Newcastle were keen to keep him close. This meant that despite interest from Portugal and Germany , offers from the Championship and Scottish Premiership took precedence.

From an initial shortlist of six clubs, Reading and Hearts were the finalists. Though Kuol was impressed by Reading manager Paul Ince’s pitch, Hearts were seen as a better stylistic fit. At the time under manager Robbie Neilson they played 4-3-3, had the fourth-most possession in Scotland, and had a phalanx of fellow Australian internationals.

Reading’s eventual predicament — relegation amid turmoil from the Championship — means that it is impossible to see that decision as a Sliding Doors moment. Nevertheless, Kuol’s time at Tynecastle went downhill quickly. Amid a tough run of results, Neilson changed formations to save his job. It did not work and when Steven Naismith replaced him, Kuol was ill during a camp which was marketed internally as a “reset week”.

Chasing third place in the Scottish Premiership, Kuol was locked to the bench, playing just seven minutes over the last 10 games of the season.

Watching on, wondering, were Volendam, who had also attempted to loan him in January 2023. Volendam’s model was unique — a group of experts focused on high-potential scouting and development, from the academy and externally. In 2022-23, they gave more minutes to players aged under 21 than any other side in the Eredivisie or Europe’s top five leagues.

The club’s leadership first coalesced as part of Johan Cruyff’s ‘Velvet Revolution’ at Ajax, reforming the academy and producing talents such as Frenkie de Jong , Matthijs de Ligt , and Donny van de Beek.

After leaving Ajax in 2016 following a dispute with the club’s board, they began the process again at Volendam. The club was promoted to the Eredivisie in 2021-22 after 13 years of absence, while the academy also produced the likes of Micky van de Ven , the defender now at Spurs, supplemented with loan players from clubs including Inter Milan , Feyenoord and Lyon.

Head coach Wim Jonk — a former player for Ajax, Inter Milan, PSV and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as earning 49 caps for the Netherlands — was a former Volendam graduate himself.

“We first noticed Garang in Australia,” says former technical director Jasper van Leeuwen. “He was very visible because of his involvement with the national team. My thinking was that the boy was talented and young, but it was impossible he would play for Newcastle straight away. We contacted the club and tried in January, but they were already advanced with Hearts.

“After that, it was crucial for them in the summer to find a place that would better suit him, so I got in touch with Dan Ashworth again. This time it was possible — it was like a second chance.”

Though Newcastle had fewer options last summer than in the January before, there was still interest from Championship clubs, as well as Swiss Super League side FC Luzern, who were chasing the European places. Close to PSR limits, Newcastle also wanted to ensure that any potential loan clubs would cover Kuol’s wage cost.

The player and Newcastle representatives visited Volendam to hear the pitch and were taken for lunch by the club’s chairman Jan Smit, one of the most famous singers in the Netherlands.

“We were most attracted to the danger in his vertical play,” remembers Van Leeuwen. He was so direct towards the goal, and of course he’s fast. We had a lot of technical players with the ball at their feet, but we did not have that aspect in our game. His finishing was quite good already for a young boy.

“You should not underestimate the Dutch league in terms of technicality and tactics. He was inexperienced with this because of his background and the level he broke through in Australia, so we knew that his positioning would be our primary challenge.”

Factors that appealed to Newcastle were the specific physical programme which Volendam had planned, intended to build muscle, their use of a 4-3-3, for quick adaptation to Newcastle’s system, and the proposed living situation — the door to his accommodation could even be seen from the stadium.

The decision was made. Kuol joined Volendam on a one-year loan.

Initially, things went according to plan. He worked his way into the starting XI by September, scoring in an early fixture against Fortuna Sittard, and assisting an 87th-minute winner against FC Utrecht a few weeks later.

We could watch this angle of Garang Kuol's first @fcvolendam goal all day 🤤 The Socceroo became the youngest foreigner to score for Volendam in the Eredivisie 🇳🇱 📰: https://t.co/EWBYkrsboD 🤳: timoooootje14 on Instagram pic.twitter.com/xmINIrVXSd — KEEPUP (@keepupau) September 17, 2023

“He came in as a young lad, and he was just doing the things that he’d normally do,” says Jonk. “That opened my eyes that he was a good player — he had skill, he was so fast, he was just doing things out of intuition. He is a clever guy for his age. But we needed to help him develop because physically he was behind.”

Kuol settled well in Volendam. In the tiny village, compared to the players based in Amsterdam, it was a simple life — beginning to learn Dutch, and making friends among the squad. Of course, there were growing pains, but that is also what this process, this loan, was about.

“When he arrived, you could really feel that hunger and that he wanted it to work,” says Jonk. “He was the first to arrive at the club, the last to leave the gym. But I remember he also had one really bad match in terms of positioning, after which he came out of the team for a bit.”

“When the opponents were doing something (which was) tactically a little unexpected, he was struggling to find his place and know who to cover and how to help in defence,” adds Van Leeuwen. “It’s a normal learning process. But the plan at least was working.”

19y1d – Garang Kuol (19 years and 1 day) is the youngest foreigner to ever find the net for @fcvolendam in the @eredivisie . Aussie. pic.twitter.com/fLsQzUR8UJ — OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) September 16, 2023

That was, at least, until December.

Within Volendam, internal politics were rising to the surface. The club’s board, led by chairman Smits, wanted to modernise and reform its structure — but the supervisory board were set against those plans, believing them to be financially risky. Smits was fired.

“A turkey won’t come for Christmas dinner either,” he bemoaned, after his resignation was accepted. In protest, and concerned about the direction of the club, virtually the club’s entire coaching staff stood down, including Jonk, Van Leeuwen, and manager Matthias Kohler.

Kuol was now adrift from the individuals who wanted to bring him in.

In their place came an odd set-up. The supervisory board — the only decision-making body left at the club — wanted to place under-21 head coach Michael Dingsdag in charge, but the former centre-back did not yet have the coaching badges required. As a result, his assistant Regillio Simons — father of Netherlands international Xavi Simons — was officially named head coach, but with Dingsdag still taking the lead.

With Volendam in just their second season back in the Eredivisie, and second-bottom of the table, Dingsdag and Simons decided to change things up. Gone was the 4-3-3, and in was a 5-3-2, closing up defensively in search of draws. With the squad not built for that, results have not improved.

Kuol was collateral damage. Since the change, the teenager has played just three times for the club, all substitute appearances, totalling just 32 minutes on the pitch. One of those appearances, 12 minutes against league-leading PSV Eindhoven, saw the diminutive Kuol played as a target man.

“We now play with five defenders, three midfielders and two attackers,” explained Kuol over the winter. “Today I was one of the two attackers. I have played in this position before in the past. But it doesn’t matter to me whether I am up front or on the wing as long as I play.”

Since Christmas, all he has really had to play for is the national team — appearing for Australia Under-23 in April’s Asian Cup in an attempt to help them qualify for this summer’s Olympics in Paris.

At the beginning of April, second-place Feyenoord travelled to Volendam’s tiny Kras Stadium. In attendance was Newcastle loan coordinator Shola Ameobi, who was able to watch another Newcastle loanee, Feyenoord’s right-winger Yankuba Minteh. The Gambian did not have his best game but at least Ameobi was able to watch him. Kuol did not move from the bench, not once asked to warm up by Dingsdag or Simons. Three days later, Minteh played a starring role for Feyenoord in their 6-0 win over Ajax in De Klassieker.

Watching Kuol traipse in from the bench at full-time, what must Ameobi have been thinking?

Another loan move is all but certain — the 18-month plan likely to become a 30-month one at a minimum. At the same time, Newcastle are wary of how much Kuol has been moving around, and are keen to ensure that his next move is not disruptive.

There is no rush and a careful decision about where to send him will be taken — in concert with the player himself — but that does not guarantee success. At the time, the logic behind Hearts and Volendam was clear, but nothing in football is guaranteed.

Kuol now faces the additional challenge of convincing teams he is worth investing in — though the talent has been clear to see for a number of years, he has hardly produced any game time or data for prospective clubs to analyse. Since moving to Newcastle, he has played just 868 league minutes on loan — less than 10 full games.

“Does he have the ability to step into the Premier League right now?” asks Jonk. “At this point, no. He needs to work for a few years to fulfil his potential. He has to make a decision — what he wants to be. He can say it, but then he has to do it. That’s the challenge. He needs to keep that hunger and work ethic that he had at the start.”

“It would be good if he could find a league that is similar, that is tactical, that is a bit more technical than physical,” adds Van Leeuwen. “ Maybe the Eredivisie again, or similar, where he could learn about the game. It would be good for him to have a relatively dominant team; not literally the best team, but one looking to attack.

“It’s not easy to find a club like that. But if he’s just thrown into the deep end, in terms of a very physical league, I don’t know if that’s a good idea at this point in his career. I think he should be more focused on the tactical side.”

Next month, Newcastle will travel to Australia for a brief post-season tour. It is part of the club’s mission to grow commercially — and it would make sense for Kuol to go, as one of Australian football’s most promising talents. As of now, it has been understood that no decision has been made by Newcastle, with the tour technically taking place while he is contracted to Volendam.

At the end of the Feyenoord match, Kuol met Minteh in the centre-circle, and they exchanged words. The message, it is understood, was, “See you in pre-season”. In truth, neither knows what will come next.

(Photo: Nesimages/Michael Bulder/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Jacob Whitehead covers Newcastle United for The Athletic, and previously worked on the news desk. Prior to joining, he wrote for Rugby World Magazine and was named David Welch Student Sportswriter of the Year at the SJA Awards. Follow Jacob on Twitter @ jwhitey98