Transit Champions Recap: Buckle Up, Nashville—The Real Work Begins

The views were breathtaking. The energy was electric. And on August 7th, the Transit Alliance’s Transit Champions event brought Middle Tennessee’s boldest transit and mobility advocates together for an evening that was equal parts celebration and call to action.

Perched above downtown’s sweeping skyline at Pinnacle Financial Partners, we welcomed Sabrina Sussman, the city's new Choose How You Move Program Director, for her first-ever address to the Alliance community.

Sabrina Sussman makes a call to action.

Against a backdrop of dramatic views of downtown and beyond, Sabrina delivered a message that was as inspiring as it was sobering.

Her opening words were pure gratitude: Thank you for helping Nashville reach this historic milestone. She recognized the years of advocacy, countless conversations, and the persistent belief that Middle Tennessee can—and must—do better when it comes to mobility.

But then came the ripple that set the room buzzing:

However hard it was to get here… implementation is harder.

For the next 10–15 years, Nashville will be in build mode—signals, safety improvements, sidewalks, and service expansions rolling out piece by piece. There will be dust. There will be delays. And yes, there will be complaints.

Sabrina’s challenge to the crowd was crystal clear: Keep the momentum alive. Push back when you hear grumbling about construction or disruptions. Remind people that progress is worth the patience. Keep having the conversations—louder, bolder, and with more people than before.

As the sun began to set, Transit Champions felt less like a networking event and more like a rallying point. This wasn’t a finish line—it was the starter’s pistol.

Nashville’s future is under construction. Buckle up.