MTA board adopts resolution honoring outgoing member Jessica Dauphin, grants lifetime free rides

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Nashville and Davidson County on Thursday adopted a resolution honoring former board member Jessica Dauphin for her service to the board and transit advocacy across the region. The board’s resolution noted Dauphin’s appointment in May 2021 and cited her leadership of the operations and finance committee and ongoing advocacy for equitable public transportation.

Board members moved and seconded the resolution and offered personal remarks about Dauphin’s contributions. One member said the board and community had “benefited from her service and her commitment to demonstrating what is possible when every community has access to reliable, equitable transit.” Dauphin, who accepted the honor, said she was “absolutely floored, honored, and just beyond words” and thanked staff and fellow board members for their support.

The board voice-voted to adopt the resolution. The ceremonial recognition included remarks from staff and a photo opportunity after the vote. The resolution also recorded that, in recognition of her service, Dauphin will enjoy lifetime free ride privileges on MTA services.

The resolution text, as read into the record, references Dauphin’s committee work on operations and finance and her broader role in regional transit advocacy. The board did not record roll-call vote tallies for the resolution in the public transcript; the chair called for the voice vote, and members responded in the affirmative. The board then proceeded to other agenda items.