Thousands more Davidson County residents will soon qualify for free rides on WeGo Public Transit as the city expands eligibility for the Journey Pass program, officials announced Monday.

Funded through the voter-approved Choose How You Move transportation improvement program, Journey Pass is Nashville’s largest fare-free transit initiative. Since launching, more than 12,500 residents have enrolled, taking more than 2 million rides.

Beginning Aug. 5, WeGo will accept twice as many eligibility documents during its weekly registration events, making the program available to more low-income residents.

Newly accepted programs include the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Tennessee Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), TennCare Medicaid, and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program.

“Journey Pass shows the power of Choose How You Move to change lives by providing real support for Nashvillians who need it most,” Mayor Freddie O’Connell said in a statement. “Now, more Nashvillians can count on reliable, fare-free transit as part of their daily lives.”

For Nashville resident Jada Norfleet, the program removes a financial burden that often limited her ability to travel.

“Sometimes I don’t have the money to ride the bus whenever I want,” Norfleet said. “Now I can go where I need to go and I can actually get a few more groceries at the store.”

Norfleet has relied on public transit since high school. Her four daughters also ride fare-free through WeGo’s StrIDe program, which allows Metro Nashville Public Schools middle and high school students to use their student IDs as transit passes.

To receive a Journey Pass, applicants must be Davidson County residents and present a valid photo ID along with documentation showing participation in one of the qualifying assistance programs.

Eligible programs now include:

     •        Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP)

     •        Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

     •        Metro Action Commission assistance

     •        Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) housing assistance

     •        Metro Social Services referrals

     •        Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

     •        Tennessee Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

     •        TennCare Medicaid

     •        Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Existing Journey Pass agency partners not included in the expanded list should continue using their current registration process.

Registration events will be held at the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center on the following dates:

     •        Aug. 5: 7 am–7 pm

     •        Aug. 10: 7 am–7 pm

     •        Aug. 12: 7 am–7 pm

     •        Aug. 15: 8 am–5 pm

     •        Aug. 17: 7 am–7 pm

     •        Aug. 19: 7 am–7 pm

     •        Aug. 24: 7 am–7 pm

     •        Aug. 26: 7 am–7 pm

     •        Aug. 31: 7 am–7 pm

Residents can find additional information about eligibility requirements and registration by visiting WeGo’s Journey Pass webpage.