Stephen G. Bland

The Agency Safety Plan for Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority dba WeGo Public Transit is a comprehensive document developed to comply with 49 CFR Part 673 (PTASP regulation) and serves as an SMS user's manual. It outlines the implementation and operation of a Safety Management System (SMS) with four core components: safety management policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion. The plan details processes for hazard identification, risk assessment, mitigation, performance monitoring, management of change, continuous improvement, and robust training and communication, all aimed at ensuring the safety of customers, employees, and the public and achieving the highest level of safety performance.

The meeting commenced with tributes to a departing board staff member. Public comments addressed several service concerns, including requests for improved frequent service frequency on certain routes, appreciation for driver professionalism and security effectiveness, and advocacy for the completion of bus shelters and crosswalks in specific areas. A request was made to reroute the number six bus to serve areas with businesses and a library more directly, and concerns were raised regarding dangerous walking paths to certain service centers due to existing bus routes. Issues with the presence of homeless individuals and cleanliness in the bus terminal under the new security company were also highlighted. Another speaker discussed the ongoing means-tested Journey Pass program, expressing anticipation for an income-based version, and emphasized the positive impact of bus lane pilots while noting disruptions caused by road closures on major thoroughfares, leading to a request for dedicated right-of-way for buses. The board then approved the minutes from the January 22nd meeting and moved to the consent agenda, which included items related to bulk fluids maintenance and a Novatech printer agenda item. The Operations and Finance Committee reviewed the annual audit report for fiscal year 2025, which was presented by external auditors, noting that there were no findings, modifications, or disagreements with management. The auditors reviewed significant accounting policies, estimates related to pension and OPEB benefits, and adjustments made during the audit process. A review of the audited financial statements for FY25 highlighted significant increases in cash and cash equivalents, a slight decrease in capital assets and ROU assets due to depreciation exceeding additions, an increase in accounts payable, a decrease in notes payable due to the payoff of a line of credit, and stable Right-of-Use liability until 2072. Changes in net position showed increased passenger fares due to ridership growth, and increased operating expenses primarily driven by labor costs (including increased services, overtime, and training) and higher depreciation and amortization from assets placed in service, such as the North Nashville Transit Center shelters and benches.

The board meeting agenda included standard items such as Call to Order, Roll Call, and Public Comment. Key action items involved the consent agenda, which included the award of a five-year contract to Parman Energy for bulk fluids and lubricants, and an increase to the NovaTech printer and copier maintenance contract. The Operations & Finance Committee presented the FY2025 Annual Audit Report, which received a clean opinion, and the Quarterly Route Performance Report for October through December 2025. A significant discussion focused on the Nolensville Pike All Access Corridor Memorandum of Understanding to qualify for federal funding, which the Board unanimously approved. The New Initiatives & Community Engagement Committee provided updates on the WeGo Forward strategic plan development and initiated discussion on the FY2026-27 Operating Budget, outlining baseline requests and planned investment funding proposals. The CEO's report covered storm preparedness planning, coordination on East Bank Boulevard/James Robertson Parkway reconfiguration, updates on the Capital Improvement Plan, and the introduction of new buses funded by the Choose How You Move program. The Chair's report highlighted organizational readiness and staff commitment.

The Board Meeting agenda included an Audit Committee Report covering the Annual Audit Report which received a "clean" opinion with no findings. The Finance Committee Report addressed the Monthly Financial Report Compared to Budget for December 2025, noting higher expenses and revenues than budgeted, and the Donelson Transit Center Design Contract for Phase II, recommending authorization of the design contract award to Wendel Architecture, PC. The Operations Committee Report reviewed RTA Monthly Operating Statistics for December 2025, showing positive year-over-year total ridership growth despite a year-to-date decline in bus ridership, and provided an update on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program compliance following the October 2025 Interim Final Rule. The CEO's Report covered progress on the City of Murfreesboro Park and Ride Lot, a successful conclusion to the Titans service season, updates on the Donelson Station Project, and the introduction of a new Chief of Staff.

The board meeting included a public comment session where a request was made for a designated bus service for Rose Park Middle School, similar to other schools, to improve safety and convenience for students. Information items included a review of upcoming procurement projects. The consent agenda involved the approval of the statewide furnishings contract and the quick ticket car purchase. Key action items included the authorization for the acquisition of 19 body on chassis buses (cutaways/access vans) to replace aging fleet vehicles, at a total cost not to exceed $4,540,525. Additionally, the board authorized entering into contracts with three vendors (BC Mason Group, Norwood Properties, and MMP services) for on-call maintenance and repair systems, up to a total authorization ceiling of $15 million over three years plus options. Finally, there was a request to increase the contract value with Polar Manufacturing for ongoing stop improvement and maintenance projects, including shelters and benches.