Deferral Request for RS2025-1663 (MTA $8M Appropriation) — Request for Information

This discussion topic was requested by Council Member Tasha Ellis regarding a request for information from MTA and a requested deferral for Resolution No. RS2025-1663.

From CM Ellis:

I am requesting a deferral of RS2025-1663, which appropriates $8 million to the Metropolitan Transit Authority for the purchase of replacement buses, bus chassis, and paratransit vehicles.

I want to be clear: I am not opposed to ensuring MTA has the vehicles it needs to serve our community. However, I believe this appropriation presents an opportunity for the Council to exercise thoughtful oversight given the significant changes underway at our transit authority.

Why I'm requesting this deferral:

With the passage of the Choose How You Move referendum, MTA is entering a new chapter. For the first time, our transit system has dedicated funding. This fundamentally changes how MTA should be planning, budgeting, and operating.

Before we continue moving money under the old model, I believe it's prudent to pause and ask some basic questions:

• What is the current state of MTA's fleet, and what is their replacement strategy?
• How are Choose How You Move revenues being integrated into capital planning?
• Does this $8 million request align with a comprehensive plan, or is it a one-off ask?

What I'm requesting from MTA:

Before this resolution moves forward, I am asking MTA to provide the Council with the following information:

1. A current fleet inventory and condition assessment, including the age, mileage, and maintenance status of all revenue vehicles
2. A detailed fleet replacement schedule and procurement plan for Fiscal Years 2025 through 2030
3. An accounting of all revenues received or anticipated from the Choose How You Move program and how such revenues are being integrated into capital and operating budgets
4. An explanation of how this requested appropriation aligns with the transit authority's updated capital plan in light of dedicated transit funding now available

If this information is not provided in a timely manner, I intend to file a resolution requesting the Metropolitan Auditor conduct a financial and operational audit of MTA.

This is about good governance, not obstruction.

We are about to enter a new era of transit investment in Nashville. Council should have a clear picture of where MTA stands before we continue appropriating funds piecemeal. This deferral gives MTA the opportunity to demonstrate transparency and alignment with the new funding reality.

I welcome input from colleagues. If you have additional questions you believe should be included in this request, or relevant context I should consider, please reach out.