Nashville asked for more public transportation. WeGo is delivering.
In this episode, Paul Comfort talks with Andy Burke, Chief Operating Officer of WeGo Public Transit, about how Nashville is preparing for one of the largest transit expansions in the agency’s history.
Following voter approval of the Choose How You Move transportation program and its half-cent sales tax, WeGo is adding approximately 7% more bus service hours each year as part of a long-term expansion that could dramatically increase transit service across the region. That means more buses—but also more operators, mechanics, training, technology, and infrastructure to support them.
Andy explains how WeGo is building that capacity while protecting the reliability of the service riders already depend on. The agency is currently about 98% staffed for bus operators, while a three-year maintenance apprenticeship program is helping address one of the transit industry’s toughest workforce challenges: finding and developing skilled mechanics. So far, 11 apprentices have graduated from the program, and WeGo is exploring ways to expand that training model further.
Paul and Andy also discuss WeGo’s plans to move toward 24/7 service, targeted for summer 2027, and the operational questions that come with eliminating the overnight window currently used to fuel, clean, and prepare buses for the next day.
Technology is another major piece of the expansion. Andy shares how WeGo is breaking down departmental silos through a new enterprise systems team, developing WeGo Connect as a centralized source of information for employees, upgrading its enterprise asset management tools, and testing headway management on frequent bus corridors.
Andy, who also chairs the Bus Operations Committee for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), talks about his own leadership journey and the importance of keeping priorities focused as an organization grows. His advice: identify the two or three things that matter most, build a strong culture around the people doing the work, and keep listening to frontline employees.
And after nearly 20 years in transit, Andy shares one more lesson that applies well beyond operations: the job can’t be your entire identity. From completing a half marathon to simply making room to slow down, he explains why taking care of yourself is part of sustaining a long career in the industry.
It’s an inside look at what transit expansion really requires—and how WeGo is building the people, systems, and culture Nashville will need for its next era of public transportation.
Credits
Host and Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Production Assistant: Desmond Gates
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Brand Design: Tina Olagundoye
Production Assistant: Desmond Gates
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.
For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.
