Please see the statement below from WeGo Public Transit’s CEO Steve Bland, regarding last night’s Metro Council Budget vote.
We appreciate the robust conversation and efforts of Metro Council last night to adopt a budget that addresses the needs of all Nashvillians. In our rapidly growing city, working to prioritize limited funding resources for schools, emergency responders, and transportation is an unenviable position to be in.
Last night only serves to further highlight the need for a long-term, dedicated funding source for transit and other mobility improvements to both improve transit service and to relieve pressure on a Metro General Fund budget that is so crucial to so many community priorities.
Our Board of Directors will meet next week to take on the task of discussing the proposed service reductions and fare increases to address the $8.7M funding gap for the coming fiscal year. While this year is difficult, we look forward to opportunities in the future when resources may be available so we can move Nashville’s transit system back toward growth to better meet the needs of our residents.
–
As a reminder, the location for next week’s Board of Directors meeting has changed. Information below.
Music City Center
Room 103AB
201 5th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
Thursday, June 27
2:30 p.m.
During this meeting, board members will vote on the Proposed Fare and Service Changes.
The Operations & Finance Committee and the New Initiatives & Community Engagement (NICE) Committee will meet consecutively beginning at 1:30 p.m. The NICE Committee is where the bulk of discussion and deliberation will take place on the topic. The Nashville MTA Board will follow at 2:30 p.m., with public comments being heard.
