NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Walk Bike Nashville is pausing their Walk Bike Bus Pass program after a rate hike from WeGo Transit, according to the nonprofit.

WBN said they were informed by WeGo that the rate for QuickTickets is increasing from $25 to $50 for any new or renewed passes. The nonprofit said this significant hike was a surprise to them, as they had expected no more than a $5 rate hike going into the next contract based on previous conversations with WeGo.

The nonprofit said the major issue for them is that WeGo requires they renew all 855 active passes at once. This doubles WBN's total upfront cost from $19,550 to $39,100.

"We are a small nonprofit. We cannot make an unexpected payment of nearly $20,000 with less than a month's notice," WBN said in a post.

WBN does not profit off pass sales as the $25 member pass charge goes straight to WeGo.

The nonprofit said their passholders took nearly 65,000 bus rides last year.

Here are instructions on how to watch WSMV4 live on various platforms.

According to WBN, active passes will be valid through the renewal date, but they are now unable to renew or activate any new passes.

In their statement on social media, WBN said in part:

"However, we're concerned that WeGo would propose such a drastic price hike with such little notice. WeGo must outline specific policies and structures to make the program sustainable for its partners.

We're confident that we can negotiate a more reasonable payment plan with WeGo, even if it unfortunately means increasing the cost of the pass for users. For now, our focus is on communicating with our existing QuickTicket members and renewing a contract that is financially feasible for our organization."

WeGo responded to the situation on their social media saying the rate hike is due to WBN average cost being $0.18 per ride, which WeGo says is less than one-fourth of what the average WeGo Ride program sponsor pays.