Nashville mayor outlines next steps after transit victory: 'We're ready to get to work'
Mayor Freddie O'Connell's office this week provided key timeline details for the implementation of Nashville's "Choose How You Move" transportation plan, which received overwhelming support from voters during Tuesday's election.
Among the first actions to be taken by the city will be the appointment of a new chief program officer for the rollout of the plan. O'Connell also said residents will continue to be engaged throughout the implementation process, and an advisory committee will be formed to steer the program in its years ahead.
"Today we'll get really moving on an issue that impacts us all, no matter where you live in the city or what you earn," O'Connell said at a meeting with news outlets on Wednesday morning. "And we're moving forward together. Thank you, Nashville, for your trust."
The total timeline of the transit plan, funded by a half-cent sales tax surcharge in Davidson County, is 15 years, but O'Connell said improvements will start as early as next year, with a focus on making it easier for people to use the WeGo bus system. That includes a reduced fare program for low-income users of the bus system.
Improvements to the sidewalk network and some upgraded traffic signals will likely be among the first noticeable changes, while 24/7 WeGo service will need a longer runway to come to fruition. WeGo will need time to hire new drivers and add to its fleet of vehicles, O'Connell said.
The new sales tax rate will go into effect in February, increasing from 6.25% to 6.75% for groceries and rising to 9.75% for other goods.
"We're moving from talking and planning to doing," O'Connell said. "That was a campaign commitment. We're ready to get to work."
Aside from the new position to oversee the transportation improvements, for which the city is accepting applications as of Wednesday, the mayor's office will also work with Metro Council members to draft legislation outlining continued engagement with the council regarding program implementation and financial reporting. O'Connell said this action is to ensure transparency throughout the process ahead.
Quarterly updates to several committees of Metro Council members are also planned, O'Connell said. Informational sessions are also set to begin with Metro's procurement team for vendors interested in partnering to build out the plan's many facets.
