WeGo outlines Journey Pass to give free rides to eligible Davidson County residents; soft launches with partner verification planned

WeGo staff presented a phased plan on the Journey Pass program designed to provide free transit to Davidson County residents who demonstrate need and to begin limited soft launches through partner organizations.

Amanda (WeGo staff member) told the Nashville MTA board the Journey Pass, previously referred to in drafts as the LIFT program, was announced by Mayor Freddie O’Connell as one of the Choose How You Move projects funded by the county referendum and that staff have worked with internal and external partners through the spring and summer to define goals and rollout steps.

The program’s stated goal is “to provide free transit services to Davidson County residents who need it the most,” Amanda said. Staff described three design goals: maximizing access for eligible users, simplifying administration for both customers and program partners, and minimizing abuse while protecting legitimate use.

Under the proposed design, the Journey Pass would be a ticket type within the agency’s existing Quick Ticket system. A Journey Pass would provide free fares on MTA bus services, WeGoLink and WeGo Star services and on RTA bus base fares; staff told the board the pass would not include WeGo Access on-demand…