THE NASHVILLE MTA CONNECTION

Spring 2017 Volume 13, Issue 1 Mayor calls for moving forward on transit during annual State of Metro Address ashville Mayor Megan Barry Gallatin Pike speaks to the need for Noutlined a bold vision for the light rail along all fi ve of Nashville’s future of Nashville and Davidson main corridors, which was identifi ed County during the 54th Annual through the nMotion process. Gallatin State of Metro Address with public Pike carries the most transit riders transit serving as the cornerstone of in the Nashville MTA service area her plans for a livable Nashville. and has the highest potential for She proposed a $7 million increase community support of transit-oriented development projects within Nashville. to the Nashville Metropolitan Transit “Mayor Barry has once again Authority (Nashville MTA) operating demonstrated her unwavering subsidy, the largest single-year increase commitment to public transportation ever, which includes funding for light by focusing on transit projects aimed rail service along Gallatin Pike. Mayor Barry to improve the quality of life for “We cannot wait another year to process of making light rail available those living and working in Nashville start the process of building our fi rst to our citizens. … We will be a 21st- and throughout Davidson County,” light rail,” Mayor Barry said. “I’m century, transit-oriented city, and we Nashville MTA Board Chair Gail very happy to announce that (April are not going to look back 10 years Carr Williams said. “We are very 26) the work begins to create light rail from now and say we failed when we encouraged by her progressive, transit- service on the Gallatin Pike corridor. had to succeed.” focused leadership in seeing the vision I’m excited to have the city start the Her call to bring light rail to continued on page 2 Paramore Breen named to Nashville MTA Board New Route 77 Thompson annah Paramore Breen has been neur, international speaker, digital Connector service begins Hnamed as the newest member of marketing expert, and Executive Vice the Nashville MTA board. She was President/Founder of Paramore Digi- ustomers living in South Nash- confirmed in a vote by the Rules-Con- tal in Nashville, Tennessee, a $5 mil- Cville between the 100 Oaks and firmations-Public Elections Commit- lion, 15-year-old company of about 25 Murfreesboro Pike areas now have a tee and approved by the ppeople. She works with cross-town route providing direct Metro Council on a variety of organiza- service along Thompson Lane. This March 21. Her first MTA ttions throughout the new service, which began on April 3, board meeting was ccountry including tour- connects two of the busiest routes – March 23. iism in Tennessee, Flori- Nolensville Pike and Murfreesboro “As a young entre- dda, Georgia, New Jersey, Pike – and allows customers to navi- preneur with experi- WWashington, Virginia, gate between the two corridors with- ence in communica- aand West Virginia. tions, Hannah adds an “Th e MTA is such an out having to travel Downtown. The Route 77 Thompson Connector important voice to the ParamoreP BreenB imimportant service to our Metro Transit Authority as we seek growing, thriving city, and we have a is the fi rst step in Nashville MTA’s to improve and expand public transit lot of work ahead of us to continue to response to calls for more cross- options in Nashville,” Nashville Mayor make Nashville a great place to live, town routes, linking neighborhoods Megan Barry said. work, and play,” Paramore Breen said. to neighborhoods without entering Paramore Breen, is an entrepre- “I’m very excited and look forward to the downtown footprint, as identifi ed continued on page 4 continued on page 2 A Newsletter for Employees and Special Friends of the MTA of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee MTA moves operations to Music City Center, excels during presidential visit n March 15, the Nashville MTA City Central (MCC) closed at 9:45 Osuccessfully moved its Down- a.m., and bus service transitioned to town transit operations from Music 6th Avenue between Korean Veterans City Central (MCC) to the Music City Boulevard and Demonbreun Street. The fi rst buses departed from the temporary Center in an effort to maintain service location after 9:45 a.m. and operated levels during a recent visit by Presi- from there for the remainder of the day. dent Donald Trump to Nashville. Bus bays were grouped in threes and The closure of MCC was a marked with signs along 6th Avenue. requirement of the Secret Service In addition, MTA/RTA staff were and affected all building operations, available on-site to assist customers. including parking, Dunkin’ Donuts Service throughout the day was and the Music City Market on the 4th subject to change due to rolling road Avenue level of the building. closures, police activity, and potential Staff worked as a team alongside sidewalk and street crowding concerns, city offi cials to fi nd an alternate but operations remained smooth. MTA hub location, reroute buses, relocate An MTA bus pulls into the temporary station kept riders updated on affected routes at the Music City Center. operations personnel and vehicles, and and stops via Twitter, Facebook, its provide as consistent a level of service On the day of the President’s visit, real-time bus information apps, and as possible for its customers. all bus routes were on detours, Music Customer Care representatives.

State of Metro continued from page 1 • eliminating transfer fees; our partners on the Metro, regional • expanding service hours; city and county, and state levels to and goals identifi ed by the nMotion • beginning to implement out build a robust transit system that will study come to life.” network of neighborhood transit meet the demands of our growing Mayor Barry’s proposed plan centers; and city,” Nashville MTA CEO Steve provides also includes: • AccessRide improvements, Bland said. “From the passage of • extending the Music City Circuit including the start of several (Tennessee) Governor Bill Haslam’s to North Nashville and TSU “Mobility on Demand” pilot IMPROVE Act to Mayor Barry’s along Jefferson Street; projects to address community remarks, there is no doubt that • funding for the purchase of new mobility needs where traditional Middle Tennesseans are supporting hybrid buses to replace an fi xed-route services are not initiatives to address our mobility aging diesel fleet; productive. issues and allowing Nashville to • upgrading Nashville MTA’s fare “We look forward to working continue to grow into the vibrant city collection system; with Mayor Barry’s offi ce as well as it has become.”

Thompson Connector continued from page 1 fi xed-route service with three fl ex points served only on through the nMotion process. request by phone. Flex points are located at the intersection “This route is the result of us listening to the needs and of Sidco and Norris, Radnor Towers and Greentree Terrace demands of our riders,” Nashville MTA apartments. Service is operated by vans CEO Steve Bland said. “By providing and runs every 45 minutes on weekdays more transfer opportunities for riders in and 90 minutes on Saturdays. Transfer South Nashville, we can help alleviate points to Nashville MTA routes 1 100 the travel times they experience. If Oaks, 15 Murfreesboro Pike, 17 12th we can cut an hour off of someone’s Avenue South, 52 Nolensville Pike commute, that’s an extra hour they have BRT lite, and 55 Murfreesboro Pike to spend with their families and friends, BRT lite are available. which improves the overall quality of On April 4, the Nashville MTA life for residents of Nashville.” partnered with Nashville Mayor Megan Service for the Thompson Connector Barry and the Metro Council to kick off is provided between 100 Oaks and MTA CEO Steve Bland speaks at the Route the new service with a short program at Glastonbury Road and operates as a 77 Thompson Connector launch event. Coleman Park Community Center. 2 Nashville MTA Employee Profi le

Name: James Dunn Age: 50 City of residence: Madison What are three words that best describe you? Loyal, Length of employment: 28 Years Position: A-Repairman dependable and faithful For nearly 30 years, James Dunn has What is an ability you wish you had? Being able to heal people sserved in various roles in the maintenance What is the fi rst concert you attended? The Wayans Brothers at ddepartment for the Nashville MTA. When TPAC in Nashville aasked how he stays motivated after that mmuch time, he says it’s simple. Tell us a little bit about your family. I have been married to “It is all about the motive of being as my wife Inger for 28 years and have two daughters and a son. eexcited as you were on the fi rst day,” Dunn Karyn is a school teacher; Destiny is a homemaker; and son James ssaid. “You come to work, not let others attends TSU and will graduate with a Bachelor’s in Music. I am Dunn iinfl uence you, be the best, and do your best.” also a proud grandfather of two grandsons. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of What’s one thing on your work? I love gospel and jazz music and recently recorded a new bucket list? Ziplining CD; I serve as head pastor at Victory International Life Changing Ministries in Madison. In addition, I was part of the Nashville What is the best vacation MTA band Transit that won the Music City Corporate Band you’ve taken? A cruise to the Challenge in 2009, and wrote the jingle promoting MTA titled Bahamas; will be taking “Come On and Ride MTA.” another cruise in September to Jamaica. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I was raised in Ohio and am the fi fth child out of 18 children. What television show/movie My brother needed a kidney transplant, and I was a match so I is your favorite? “Love & gave my brother a kidney. Following the transplant, my brother Basketball” Dunn’sD ’ new album,lb PurposeP lived another fi ve years. Comes Around Again News & Notes

APTA Roadeo ABBG customer survey Nashville MTA bus operator Jerome Horton and mechan- Nashville MTA conducted a survey April 24- ics Troy Willis, James Kerce and Ryan Risner competed at the May 21 to fi nd out what customers think of MTA bus American Public Transporta- services. tion Association’s (APTA) The 20-question survey took only fi ve minutes 42nd International Bus Road- to complete and was being conducted simultaneous- eo in Reno, Nevada in May. ly through the American Bus Benchmarking Group Last fall, Horton fi nished (ABBG) by 18 transit agencies across the country. By second in the 40-foot bus di- doing so, similar transit agencies can fi nd out what their vision at the Tennessee Pub- passengers think of the service they provide. These lic Transportation Associa- agencies will compare the results of the surveys, so that tion (TPTA) Roadeo. Joyce we can learn from each other and work toward giving Banks, who fi nished fi rst and HortonHorton you even better service. took home the Big Wheel in the cutaway van division at Utility payment kiosk the 2016 TPTA Roadeo, at- The Nashville MTA will be providing multi-option tended as an observer. MTA mechanics Willis, bill-pay services at Music City Central (MCC) for all ba- Kerce and Risner participated sic utilities including electric, sewer, gas, and more. in a maintenance team com- In response to concerns regarding access to local petition. At the 2016 TPTA utility providers by elderly and disabled riders, the Nash- roadeo, Willis brought home ville MTA is in the planning process to provide payment KeKerce,rce WilliWillis,s andand Risner Risner the “Big Wrench” for his vic- options through an ATM-like payment kiosk at MCC. tory in the bus maintenance division and Ryan Risner fi n- By providing a convenient, central location to pay ished third. In the van maintenance division, Kerce brought utilities, this service will help to reduce travel time and home the Big Wrench for his victory. additional fares.

3 The Charles Mitchell Story said Mitchell, who served four years in the harles Mitchell walks quietly into a Air Force during the Vietnam era. “They got Croom and removes his hat. Dressed to too close to my pumps so I was either going the nines in his suit and tie, the soft-spoken to have to close down or move. I just decided Nashville MTA Director of Operations I would close down and sell out and try to do greets you with a warm smile something different.” 430 Myatt Drive At the time, he had already Nashville, TN 37115 and kind words. The self-proclaimed “average applied at the Nashville MTA Phone (615) 862-5969 so he thought: “Why not work Fax (615) 862-6208 Joe” is an unassuming man who openly admits that he is probably here maybe a year or two and ADA Inquiry and hard to get to know. He doesn’t go back out and get into another Customer Care business of some sort?” Twenty- (615) 862-5950 talk that much, explaining that he’s simply “a quiet person.” eight years and three promotions Check our website at later, he is still here. nashvillemta.org However for Mitchell, conversation is not needed. “When I look back on it, it He leads by example and has doesn’t seem like it’s been that Megan Barry long,” said Mitchell, who is Mayor successfully guided Nashville MTA operations the last several the youngest of fi ve siblings Board of Directors years. In July, he will retire after and proud father of fi ve grown Gail Carr Williams nearly three decades with the Mitchell children. “But it’s been a Chair agency. learning experience. It’s been a Lewis Lavine “It took me a couple of years to actually really good ride for me.” Vice Chair come to the decision,” Mitchell said of his Mitchell worked two years as a part-time Hannah Paramore Breen upcoming retirement. “Now, bus operator before assuming the job full Member I’m excited about it. There time. In 2002, he was promoted Janet Miller 2002 - MTA Roadeo to operations supervisor and in are new adventures ahead for 1st Place Member me. The fi rst couple of months 2011 took on his current role of 2002 - TPTA Roadeo Walter Searcy I’m probably not going to do 2nd Place director. Member As his career winds down, anything. Then after that – just 2004 - Corecipient, Steve Bland kind of re-evaluating what is it Organization it’s been his role in management Chief Executive Offi cer that I really want to do.” Exemplary that he claims has brought him Mitchell came to the Performance the most rewards. His biggest Award Newsletter Editorial Staff Nashville MTA in January 1989 accomplishment: helping people. 2009 - TPTA Urban Editor-in-Chief/Managing as a part-time bus operator, never “The good part about it is Editor/Writer Employee of people will forget everything knowing this would turn out to the Year Wendy Smith be his chosen career path. He about you but they will never Graphic Designer turned on the road to transit when forget how you treat them,” Wade Perry the city opted to widen a street on which he Mitchell said. “One of the main things they Contributing Writers owned a business. will remember me for is that I was fair to Amanda Clelland “I had a service station business with a everybody. I treat everybody the same, with Amy McDaris 24-hour wrecker service and the city came the same respect, and I was always available Carolyn Secondi through and widened the street where I was,” when someone needed assistance.” Cynthia Whitehead Photography Amanda Clelland Paramore Breen continued from page 1 for the Visual Arts. She studied classical piano Michael Brunch at Belmont University. James Dunn being a part of that.” Wade Perry Paramore Breen is active in the communi- “We are very excited to see the addition of ty, serving on the advisory board for Synovus, Hannah to the Nashville MTA Board of Direc- If you have suggestions for future articles, please submit them to the Th e Bank of Nashville, Th e YWCA of Nashville tors,” MTA CEO Steve Bland said. “Her back- MTA communications offi ce. and Middle Tennessee, Fisk University School ground in marketing and community engage- of Business, Downtown Partnership and was ment makes her an incredible asset to MTA the fi rst chair of Moving Forward’s Public En- as we move into seeing nMotion become a

NASHVILLE MTA/DTO IS A gagement Task Force. Her passions include reality and strive to connect Middle Tennessee DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE golf, travel, the YWCA, and Th e Frist Center through transit.” 4