In a significant show of engagement with Nashville's public transportation future, more than 500 hopefuls dropped off applications at WeGo Public Transit's job fair. The event, which took place on Saturday at the agency's offices on Myatt Drive in Madison, was organized to help bolster Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s Choose How You Move initiative. WeGo is looking to staff up various roles, from bus operators to mechanics and administrative staff, as part of the city's efforts to enhance its transit services.
Amidst the crowd, applicants were offered on-the-spot interviews and the chance to explore buses, as reported by WSMV. In a push to accommodate the increase in bus frequencies mandated by the Choose How You Move initiative, WeGo found the turnout exceeding expectations. Jamar Wilson, a current employee who's been with WeGo for two years, shared insights into the job with applicants, "My name Jamar. I been here for like two years. Best thing I ever did and if you gone be late and not come to work this probably ain't for you but if you got that in you this is the best place to be," he told NewsChannel 5.
One candidate, Meaghan Hall, also known as Goldei in her artistic endeavors, applied for a driving position. Goldei, who previously contributed a mural to the downtown bus station, sees the work as a crucial public service, citing the difficulties of getting around Nashville before. "It was like really hard to get around the city," said Hall during her interview with NewsChannel 5. "We would have to take the bus places and it would just take forever," she added, highlighting the potential impact of improved transit times.
The substantial interest at the hiring event bodes well for the Choose How You Move initiative, aiming to deliver better and more reliable transit across Nashville. Despite the high number of applicants, WeGo officials assured that there are still plenty of job openings available. Those interested can still apply by visiting WeGo's website, as outlined by a spokesperson in a statement obtained by FOX17: "This is a big step toward building the team we need to deliver better, more reliable transit service for Nashville."
