Email Template
Ask WeGo to Freeze Bus Fares During SNAP Lapse
Thousands of WeGo riders are facing an immediate financial crisis due to the impending lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. We cannot control what happens in Washington, but we can ensure transportation remains a lifeline in our city. Use the email template below to ask WeGo leadership to suspend fare collection immediately and help make these difficult times a little easier for our neighbors.
After you send the email, fill out this form so we can track the individuals and organizations supporting this grassroots effort to freeze fares while SNAP is suspended.
Email Template:
Subject: URGENT: Request for Emergency Meeting and Temporary Suspension of Fares Due to SNAP Freeze
Recipients (WeGo staff and board): steve.bland@nashville.gov, gailcarrwilliams@gmail.com, athompson@ulmt.org, jessica.dauphin@thetransitalliance.org, jhaynes@boyle.com, kathryn.hays@hcahealthcare.com
CC recipients (Metro leadership): mayor@nashville.gov, Sabrina.Sussman@nashville.gov, transit@nashville.gov, councilmembers@nashville.gov
Dear WeGo leadership and members of the board,
Effective Saturday, November 1, the immediate freeze of federal food assistance (SNAP) will force thousands of WeGo riders into a profound financial crisis. For many, this means choosing between eating and paying the bills. We must ensure that the essential act of getting to work or accessing necessary services does not become another insurmountable burden.
We urgently request that you convene an emergency meeting of the WeGo board as soon as possible to vote on a system-wide fare suspension effective immediately through November 20. At the November 20 meeting, the board must vote to extend the free fare period if federal SNAP distributions have not yet resumed.
We are making this request because:
- There are no plans from the federal or state government to provide emergency aid to SNAP recipients.
- Over 60% of WeGo riders have a household income under $40,000, and twenty percent live on less than $12,000 annually. Removing fares is a direct lifeline to our most vulnerable constituents.
- While WeGo estimates up to seventy percent of riders will eventually qualify for the free 'Journey Pass,' the program is currently in a 'soft launch' phase and is not enrolling participants at-scale. This leaves a critical gap in aid.
- Fare revenue represented only five percent of total WeGo revenue in the FY2025 budget, before the influx of Choose How You Move funding, meaning the financial impact of a temporary suspension is minimal compared to the community need.
Precedent Exists for System-Wide Free Fares:
- Fares were successfully suspended system-wide for Mayor O’Connell’s inauguration day in 2023 and election day in 2024, demonstrating the operational feasibility.
Thank you for your consideration and for acting swiftly to alleviate this community crisis. This moment calls for bold leadership. By removing the burden of fares, we can ensure the stability and well-being of our most vulnerable riders, upholding the principle that equitable access to essential transit is the foundation of a truly great public system. We cannot control what happens in Washington, but we can ensure transportation remains a lifeline in our city.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Organization]
After you send the email, fill out this form so we can track the individuals and organizations supporting this grassroots effort to freeze fares.
Here is a graphic you can share on socials:
