Transforming Transit: Meet Abbey Wood
Abbey Wood is a transportation planner based in Tennessee. She brings deep local knowledge and hands-on experience in public transit, service planning and safety-focused transportation strategies. Her background working within a public transit agency and on Safety Action Plans across the Southeast gives her a grounded, community-centered perspective on how transportation systems can better serve the people who rely on them.
How did you get involved in transportation planning?
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I sought opportunities in Nashville and joined the local public transit agency. I started in paratransit and later moved into service quality and planning roles. That combined experience shaped my career and ultimately led me to pursue a master of urban and regional planning.
I have always been drawn to public transit because of its connection to sustainability, equity and community. Having lived and worked across Tennessee, transportation systems here feel personal to me, and that relationship continues to drive my work today.
What motivates you about working in this field?
The colleagues I work with and the people who rely on our transportation systems daily are what motivate me the most. From the operators and maintenance teams to the planners and engineers, I have seen firsthand how much dedication and brilliance goes into making transit work.
I am also motivated by the impact of the work. Even small improvements can make a meaningful difference in how people access jobs, education and essential needs, and being a small part of that is incredibly rewarding.
What are the biggest challenges in transportation planning today?
One of the biggest challenges is fostering meaningful engagement with a wide range of communities. Reaching people across different backgrounds and experiences takes intentional effort, and it’s something I am always working to improve.
Planning also requires flexibility and adaptability, but I have come to see it as one of the most valuable aspects of the work.
How does local context shape successful transportation solutions?
Local context is critical because what works in one community may not work in another. While planning is data-driven, the most successful solutions are grounded in understanding how people use their transportation systems day-to-day.
Through my experience working on transit service changes and Safety Action Plans, I have seen how important it is to engage communities early and often. Public meetings, surveys and ongoing dialogue provide insights that data alone cannot capture.
Successful projects are ultimately a process of co-creation. When communities help shape solutions, the outcomes are more effective, more practical and better aligned with local needs and values.
What excites you about the future of transportation in Nashville?
I am excited about the momentum in Nashville around building safer, more multimodal transportation systems. From expanding transit options to improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, there is a real opportunity to create a network that works better for everyone.
It is encouraging to see a growing focus on safety, accessibility and connectivity, and I am optimistic about what that means for the future of the region.