NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — With Nashville mayor Freddie O'Connell's Choose How You Move plan given the greenlight by voters, new resources are on the way for those relying on bus service.
In a Wednesday press conference, O'Connell said that financial conversations have been underway to determine what parts of the project are immediately eligible for funding when it comes to sidewalks, traffic signals and bus service.
"WeGo will be moving within the first year to implement a low-income fair program so Nashvillians who qualify for nutrition or housing assistance can also qualify for subsidized rides," O'Connell said.
If you ride the bus, 24/7 Access won't be available just yet, but O'Connell added that by this time next year, Nashvillians would see progress.
"We simply don't have all of the fleet to go to all of that expanded service level, but the program's also designed to build on itself so that the improvements you see in year one then expand," O'Connell said.
The approval of the plan came as September saw WeGo ridership above pre-pandemic levels, especially on Murfreesboro Pike. Corey Williams is among hundreds of riders along Route 55. Williams said that he lives in Antioch, traveling to and from the city at late hours due to work in the food service industry.
"It's very essential because I don't own a car," Williams told News 2.
Pedestrians like Andrew Walker told News 2 they're ready to see changes to Murfreesboro Pike to make it safer.
"A lot of people just don't look when they're driving," Walker said. "They don't look while they're walking, too, so it gets a little dangerous."
O'Connell added that an advisory committee would form soon and that it would include community input. Voters could expect quarterly updates on budget and infrastructure for the plan.