WeGo needs more mechanics, bus drivers before expanding service

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — With Nashville's approval of the mayor's transit plan, WeGo will expand its service.

However, more bus operators are needed before that can happen, so leaders are hoping newer programs will help fill the gaps. WeGo Public Transit is offering two programs in an effort to get more people hired.

The first program is a hands-on mechanic apprenticeship program with a full salary where participants learn the needed skills to fix active fleet buses. The program is taught inside WeGo's bus maintenance facilities and participants will work on active fleet buses. The goal is to get people ready for a starting mechanics position at WeGo, which offers room for further advancement.

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The other is an 11-week paid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program for those wanting to be a bus driver. For those that already have a CDL, the company is instead offering an 8-week WeGo training process. All WeGo operators will have to have at least 80, but on average closer to 100, hours of driving time with an instructor.

"Most places that you go, you gotta pay to get your CDL," said Edtwquan Taylor, a driver operator in training currently enrolled in the program. "They help you get your CDL here and they still pay you for it, so it's a win-win."

Taylor told News 2 he's close to finishing the program and will take his CDL test on Friday. So far, he said that he'd learned a lot.

"[We go over] all the stuff we need to know to drive the bus, de-escalation training, everything that we need to know as far as what we're going to expect when we get out on the road," Taylor added.

Transit leaders have said that dozens more mechanics and drivers need to be hired before certain Choose How You Move transit plan components can happen.

"Hiring's always been an important thing for us, but it's becoming even more important," said Eric Melcher, the public information officer for WeGo.

Melcher said that it would be impossible to expand service without first hiring a sufficient amount of drivers and mechanics.

"That's why we're starting now," Melcher added. "We probably won't be expanding service for another few months but really its critical now we can get people training, get them in the loop."

Taylor told News 2 that for him, it's been more than a program — it's a shot at a long-term career.

"At the end of the day, I just want to take care of my family," Taylor said. "I can do that here with the opportunity I was given."

Benefits for WeGo positions include health, dental and vision coverage as well as a pension plan, company-paid life insurance policy and tuition reimbursement. There are also some signing bonuses for certain positions and for those who hold certain qualifications:

$2,000 for CDL operators holding the P endorsement (licensed to transport more than 15 passengers)

$1,000 for non-CDL and non-P endorsement holders

$2,000 for experienced mechanics