City Manager Tyson Begly wants Everett Fleming, METRA's interim director since December, to run the bus system. Columbus Council votes Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Columbus Council will be asked Tuesday, Oct. 13, to approve a permanent director for METRA, the city’s bus system. City Manager Tyson Begly has picked Everett Bernard Fleming, who has run METRA as interim director since December 2025.

Begly announced the choice in a city release. He will take the appointment to Council at its next business meeting. That meeting starts at 9 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the C.E. “Red” McDaniel City Services Center, 3111 Citizens Way.

Who he is

Fleming has worked for the Columbus Consolidated Government since 2017. The release lists his jobs there:

  • parking manager
  • planning manager
  • assistant director of METRA
  • interim director of METRA, since December 2025

The city said he has more than 28 years of experience in marketing, procurement, program development, finance, transit and federal regulations. That includes more than five years of auditing and tax work with Lockheed Martin.

He was raised in Forrest City, Arkansas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a master’s degree from Regis University.

How he was chosen

Begly said Fleming came “highly recommended” by his selection committee. Its members were:

  • Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin
  • Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge
  • Finance Director Angelica Alexander
  • Human Resources Director Ola Terrell

“This role is more than a position, it is a commitment to ensuring that every resident and visitor has access to safe, efficient, and equitable transportation,” Fleming said in the release.

What it means for you

  • If you ride METRA, nothing changes on the day. Fleming has been running the system since December, and the release announces no change to routes or fares. The transfer center at 814 Linwood Blvd. is open 4 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, according to METRA’s own page.
  • If you want to watch the vote, Council meetings stream live on the city’s YouTube channel.
  • If you have a view on the bus system, contact your district’s council member. The phone numbers and emails are on our who to call at City Hall page.

Our getting around Columbus guide covers METRA routes, fares and parking. We will report the vote after the meeting.