Jackson Transit Authority makes history naming African-American new general manager

JACKSON, Tenn. — “Come out, ride with us and enjoy your ride.”

Jackson native Travis Franklin stepped into a new position this month with the Jackson Transit Authority that was nearly two decades in the making.

“After being here 19 years, starting from the bottom and working my way to the top, I was the chosen one,” Franklin said.

Franklin is now the general manager of JTA, the first African-American to hold the position, making his story not one of rags to riches but one from the bottom to the top in the city he grew up in and loves.

“I actually started in the washing service. Started out washing the buses, cleaning the inside, washing the outside,” Franklin shared. “Then I moved up to driver, then moved up to a management position and now the general manager.”

And over the 19 years, Travis says one thing has helped to propel him forward.

“My co-workers and dealing with and working with the citizens of Jackson. I love people, I love working with people and I believe that’s it.”

And after 19 years of service, he says he’s learned quite a bit and still dreams big for the Hub City.

“You can catch the transit and go anywhere in the city of Jackson. Hopefully in times to come we will be able to expand and do more services.”

His journey is just beginning and hopes it will inspire someone.

“Don’t give up. Just keep moving forward. Just continue to strive to the highest that you can go.”