Driving toward a better bus system for Nashville

The past few years have not been easy for Nashville’s WeGo bus network. But behind the scenes, the agency has been trying to make progress on improvements that riders have been requesting for many years.

On today’s show, we start by looking back over the bus system’s recent history. In 2018, voters rejected a sprawling mass transit proposal. In 2019, budget cuts led WeGo to eliminate some routes. And then the coronavirus pandemic slashed ridership.

We’ll also talk with WeGo leaders and frequent bus riders about what’s been going on since then. The agency has been using data and analysis to tweak its routes and schedules, and has had some success in running buses more frequently, as well as later into the night, and more often on weekends.

You can also learn more about WeGo’s latest adjustments — which took effect Oct. 2 — online here.

Guests:

• Tony Gonzalez, WPLN Special Projects Editor
• Trey Walker, WeGo chief development officer
• John Bull, bus rider and advocate for the unhoused
• Lisa Kim, student bus rider and WeGo Public Transit Youth Action Team member
• Beth Sims, regional bus rider and administrative coordinator at Vanderbilt School of Nursing
• Stacey Irvin, bus rider and photographer

Related: 

• This Is Nashville: Hoofing It: Getting around Nashville without a car
• WPLN: Nashville’s Bus Service Wants To Run Longer Hours, But Needs Funds To Pay For It
• WPLN: Nashville Bus Ridership Has Seen Ups And Downs After Route Cuts