NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Some bus riders will be able to ride for free on WeGo Public Transit thanks to a program that has officially launched in Davidson County, announced Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell on Wednesday.

On the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Choose How You Move transportation plan, O'Connell announced the launch of Journey Pass, which is described as "Nashville's largest-ever fare-free transit program."

Funded through Choose How You Move, the Journey Pass will reportedly provide free transit to help Nashvillians get to work, school, medical appointments and other essential places.

Who qualifies for a Journey Pass?

According to Choose How You Move officials, the passes are only available to Davidson County residents living on limited income. As the program remains in its first phase, residents who currently receive social services from Metro departments can sign up for a Journey Pass with partnering departments or at a scheduled program outreach event.

Then, as the program advances, officials say additional Metro departments will be added to the list. Those who are not currently receiving services from any Metro departments will reportedly be considered as part of the next phase of the program's expansion in 2026.

However, the income threshold for future expansion has not been determined. WeGo is accepting feedback at [email protected] as recommendations are being developed.

Choose How You Move officials said the program is being rolled out in phases to allow "WeGo to test operations, gather feedback, and ensure the program is efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly" before it expands to more riders in 2026.

How does the program work?

Journey passes are loaded onto WeGo QuickTicket cards, according to the transit company. If you already have a Quickticket card, free rides will be added to it. However, a new card will be given to riders who don't have a Quickticket.

A release about the program states that each Journey Pass must be registered using a name, date of birth, and phone number/email address.

Then, once a rider is registered, the Journey Pass will allow a person to ride free on: WeGo local and regional buses, WeGo Acess, WeGo Link and WeGo Star.

Officials clarified that the Journey Pass does not include WeGo Access On-Demand and regional Vanpool Services.

Journey Pass and SNAP reciepients

WeGo announced simplified registration is being offered to SNAP recipients who need immediate access to transportation and food resources.

To enroll, recipients must show a valid photo ID; and one of the following from the Tennessee Department of Human Services:

• Eligibility notice of decision (with certification or eligibility date; renewal date must not be expired)
• Verification/ certification letter from DHS (with certification or eligibility date; renewal date must not be expired)
• Access to the One DHS SNAP Benefits portal on your smartphone

In addition, WeGo listed several upcoming events where SNAP recipients can enroll for a Journey Pass.

• Wednesday, Nov. 5 — 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central
• Thursday, Nov. 6 — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Metro Action Commission
• Thursday, Nov. 6, — 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central
• Friday, Nov. 7 — 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central
• Saturday Nov. 8 — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central
• Sunday, Nov. 9 — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central

To learn more about the Journey Pass program, including upcoming registration events, click here.

WeGo and Choose How You Move Officials added that those with questions call 615-862-5150 or email [email protected].

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/wego-journey-pass-free-bus-rides-davidson-county/