The university started the transition this July to using the “QuickTicket by WeGo” app to allow access to WeGo Public Transit, which provides public transportation across Nashville and surrounding Davidson County, including local and regional buses. Physical QuickTicket cards will also be available. 

Vanderbilt’s partnership with WeGo began in 2020, providing students access to WeGo public transit through the use of a physical Commodore Card. 

Miriam Leibowitz, commute concierge manager for the university’s Transportation and Mobility Office, discussed the new system’s benefits.

“Students will have the convenience of being able to use the QuickTicket by WeGo app on their phones rather than keeping track of a physical card or paying to replace a lost, damaged or stolen card,” Leibowitz said in a message to The Hustler. 

Beginning July 17, students, faculty and staff were emailed registration codes and instructions for activating their QuickTicket account. Once a QuickTicket account is activated, the physical Commodore Card’s access to the WeGo system is deactivated. All remaining Commodore Cards will be deactivated on Sept. 1. 

Earlier this year, Vanderbilt Director of Mobility and Transportation Michael Briggs began working with Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s office as Director of Transportation Planning. However, Leibowitz said the change predated Briggs’ appointment with the mayor’s office. 

“Vanderbilt University’s Office of Transportation and Mobility staff began talking with WeGo about transitioning to QuickTicket more than two years ago and began planning for the launch on July 17 more than a year ago,” Leibowitz said. “The program planning and implementation included close coordination with VUIT, Communications and Marketing and Card Services in a truly collaborative effort.”

Hazel Ludwig, a sophomore, said she looks forward to the change and how it can make public transit more convenient for students. 

“I think it will definitely be helpful to have the card on our phones so we know it’s always accessible, and we don’t have to worry about keeping a physical card on us.” Ludwig said. “Public transportation in the city is helpful as a student, so I appreciate that they are trying to find ways to make it easier and more attainable.”