NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Nashville leaders are rolling ahead with their multi-million dollar expansion of WeGo Public Transit services.
The public transportation agency has partnered with the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) to increase rider safety.
On Wednesday, the police department announced Capt. Brian Williams would serve as transit liaison to improve safety at WeGo facilities, specifically, WeGo’s downtown hub and neighborhood transit centers.
“This is just the next step in helping us to make sure that our riders and our employees feel as safe as possible when using the system,” said Nick Oldham, WeGo’s Chief Safety and Security Officer.
Crime at WeGo bus stops and hubs remain an issue. In fact, one of the most recent incidents took place Wednesday at a bus station in downtown Nashville. According to an arrest affidavit, five people were involved in a fight at the station.
Earlier this month, on Feb. 5, three men were arrested for beating and robbing a man at WeGo Central. Meanwhile, back in November, a 16-year-old was shot and killed in the waiting area at WeGo Central.
With voters approving Nashville’s ‘Choose How You Move’ transportation plan, Metro leaders want to ensure riders they are safe.
“I think the partnership with Metro Nashville’s Police Department will help us to identify if we are not getting specific calls on the WeGo side,” Oldham said. “If Metro Nashville police is getting calls, then we will work collaboratively to figure that out.”
The new partnership will put Metro police officers on buses and patrols around the city. WeGo is also working to keep their employees safe.
“We do work with state legislature to see if there is a possibility to introduce legislation that would increase penalties for anyone that assault a transit worker,” Oldham added.
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The American Public Transportation Association revealed approximately 1.8 million people used WeGo services in 2024.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell said he hopes the new changes will lead to even more people using the service and help increase confidence in WeGo rider safety.
