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 implementationWhat it takes to shift an agency from maintenance mode to growthHow WeGo is achieving double-digit ridership gainsWhy staffing and recruitment must come before expansionHow a low-income fare program can drive access and usageThe role of microtransit partnerships like WeGo Link with UberHow to build financial stability with a $47M reserve fundWhy today’s transit CFO is a strategic operator—not just a numbers roleFrom Ballot to Bus ServiceAmanda 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 frequencyNew transit centers and corridor investmentsFirst-mile/last-mile solutions through microtransitA free transit program for qualifying ridersLong-term system growth backed by dedicated fundingThe 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 WorksWeGo’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 usersDirect connections to high-frequency routesDelivered at a relatively low cost to the agencyIt’s a scalable example of how agencies can extend their reach without overextending fixed-route service.Host: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O’KeeffeEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinTransit 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 Nashville00:14 Expansion Culture and CFO Role00:22 Meet Amanda Vandergrift02:15 Working with Steve Bland03:34 Two Agencies One Brand05:08 Contracting and Access Service06:22 From Consultant to CFO08:27 Choose How You Move Win