In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Amanda Vandegrift, Deputy CEO of Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer at WeGo Public Transit in Nashville.

This conversation is part of our “The Doers” series—highlighting transit leaders who are not just setting vision, but actively delivering results on the ground.

Amanda shares her unique journey from private-sector consultant—where she helped design Nashville’s “Choose How You Move” ballot initiative—to becoming the executive responsible for implementing it inside the agency.

With a newly approved funding stream, a growing system, and rising ridership, Nashville offers a real-world case study in how agencies can move from planning to execution—and actually deliver on what voters approved.

What You’ll Learn:

How to move from a transit referendum to real-world implementation

What it takes to shift an agency from maintenance mode to growth

How WeGo is achieving double-digit ridership gains

Why staffing and recruitment must come before expansion

How a low-income fare program can drive access and usage

The role of microtransit partnerships like WeGo Link with Uber

How to build financial stability with a $47M reserve fund

Why today’s transit CFO is a strategic operator—not just a numbers role

From Ballot to Bus Service

Amanda played a key role in developing Nashville’s “Choose How You Move” initiative—a half-cent sales tax increase designed to fund billions in transit improvements.

Now inside the agency, she’s helping implement:

Expanded bus service and increased frequency

New transit centers and corridor investments

First-mile/last-mile solutions through microtransit

A free transit program for qualifying riders

Long-term system growth backed by dedicated funding

The early results are already showing up, with ridership increases ranging from 10% to 30% as service improves and barriers are removed.

Innovation Spotlight: First/Last Mile That Works

WeGo’s partnership model with Uber is helping bridge the gap between riders and fixed-route service:

19 service zones (and expanding)

$2 rides—or free for eligible users

Direct connections to high-frequency routes

Delivered at a relatively low cost to the agency

It’s a scalable example of how agencies can extend their reach without overextending fixed-route service.

Host: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Chris O’Keeffe

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

00:00 Welcome to Nashville

00:14 Expansion Culture and CFO Role

00:22 Meet Amanda Vandergrift

02:15 Working with Steve Bland

03:34 Two Agencies One Brand

05:08 Contracting and Access Service

06:22 From Consultant to CFO

08:27 Choose How You Move Wins

09:22 Quick Wins and Free Fares

11:29 Wego Link Uber Zones

Translating Transit Funding Into Real Service with Amanda Vandegrift

Transit Unplugged

Translating Transit Funding Into Real Service with Amanda Vandegrift