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Riders and operators tell MTA meeting they face cancellations, late-night gaps and safety concerns
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Summary
Public commenters described repeated ride-hailing cancellations affecting Access riders, limited late-night service and an alleged recent assault on a driver that prompted roughly 20 operators to threaten a walkout over safety worries.
During the Nashville MTA board’s public-comment period, several riders and an operations employee raised service and safety concerns.
Matthew Studer, who identified himself as a regular WeGo Access rider, said ride-hailing drivers have repeatedly accepted then canceled trips, sometimes showing up early and leaving within a minute, or entering incorrect addresses that force riders to cancel and rebook at personal cost. "I've had a driver show up 10 minutes early... then cancel, leaving me waiting for another driver," he said, urging the agency to press ride-hailing providers for accountability.
Peter O'Connor, another rider, asked for more nighttime frequency on Route 6 and reported a driver on Route 50 who pulled away from the bay without picking up two passengers. He also thanked staff for a recent reroute to Old Lebanon Pike that improved access to businesses.
Darius Knight commended customer-service staff but warned of declining morale among some newer operators and recounted a recent assault on a Route 56 driver. "There are now about 20 operators claiming that they're getting ready to walk off this job because they do not feel safe," he said, urging the board to address operator safety and workplace culture.
Board members thanked the speakers and noted the issues will be passed to staff for follow up. The public-comment period closed with the chair inviting staff to address concerns where appropriate.
