RESOLUTION NO. RS2014-1028

A resolution recognizing Metro Transit Authority CEO Paul J. Ballard for his outstanding service.

WHEREAS, Paul J. Ballard has served with distinction for the last 12 years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and five years as CEO of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and is leaving to become CEO of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority; and

WHEREAS, UNDER Mr. Ballard’s leadership, MTA has increased bus ridership from 6.4 million in 2002 to a current level of 9.7 million and coupled with RTA ridership, total public transit ridership has topped 10 million for fiscal year 2013; and

WHEREAS, MTA, during his tenure, has significantly upgraded and modernized its fleet and grown the AccessRide program into the largest in Tennessee, providing more than 370,000 annual trips to Nashvillians with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, CEO Ballard led efforts in 2008 to build the Music City Central Station which serves 20,000 passengers daily and oversaw the purchase and renovation of the former Peterbilt site in Madison into MTA’s main headquarters and heavy maintenance facility; and

WHEREAS, other highlights of Mr. Ballard’s time at MTA include: 1) startup of Music City STAR commuter rail; 2) initiated two Rapid Transit lines; 3) increased number of regional express bus routes in Middle Tennessee area; 4) introduced and implemented the EasyRide transit commuter benefits program and; 5) streamlined pricing structure and modernized access; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ballard assisted Mayor Dean in the formation of Middle Tennessee Mayor’s Caucus and established MTA’s Youth Advisory Council; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Paul J. Ballard for his outstanding service to the MTA, the RTA and the citizens and youth of Nashville and all Middle Tennessee and wish him well in all his future endeavors.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Metro Transit Authority CEO Paul J. Ballard for his outstanding service.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Mr. Paul J. Ballard.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ronnie Steine

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	March 18, 2014
Adopted:	March 18, 2014
Approved:	March 19, 2014
By: