The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is the largest transit agency in the state of Tennessee. Ninety percent of bus riders used fixed route buses. Sixty percent are using the bus to get to work. MATA is facing a total $5.4 million budget shortfall due to cuts in funding from federal and city government. This continues an alarming pattern of budget cuts that have already caused a 30% reduction in public transportation service over the past five years.
Mayor Wharton’s current proposed budget includes a cut of $2.4 million from the City’s capital improvements budget allotment to MATA .
The Memphis Bus Riders Union is organizing bus riders and advocates to stand together outside City Hall at 125 N. Main St. on Tuesday, June 18th at 3:00 pm for a press conference and rally in support of adequate funding for public transportation. Cuts to public transportation have a devastating effect on our city’s economy, racial equity, and environmental sustainability. Please join us in urging our elected officials to prioritize the needs of Memphis’ residents.In recent tears, MATA has already lost around $3 million in federal and state funding. “If MATA continues to be cut at this percentage will be forced to shut down in 15 years” said MATA President, William Hudson, speaking at a FY 2014 budget hearing.
To balance the budget in light of a $5.4 million shortfall, MATA has proposed to eliminate several bus routes and reduce service hours by 20%. Here are some details from the proposal:
- Cut #5 Central
Cuts to the #5 route from downtown to the University of Memphis would affect students traveling from the midtown and downtown areas. - Cut #6 Northaven
Frayser and most other areas of North Memphis already have minimal bus service. In the past year, route #19 was cut from Chelsea Avenue, forcing residents to walk several miles to the nearest bus route. The area would be adversely affected again by proposed changes to the #10 Watkins and elimination of the #6 Northaven routes. -
Cut #15 President’s Island
President’s Island has an estimated 4,000 – 5,000 jobs. Cutting the bus route would significantly affect low-income citizens who work at factories there.
- Cut #58 Fox Meadows
This is the route from downtown to Hickory Hill; it passes by Southwest Community College as well as several large shopping centers. - Cut #82 Germantown Parkway
Service to Cordova High School and surrounding community, as well as Germantown Le Bonheur Methodist, and Wolfchase Galleria - Combine the #10 Watkins, #32 E. Parkway, and #43 Elvis Presley routes.
Combining these routes would mean fewer bus stops in Whitehaven and Frayser. The #10 Watkins bus would no longer go downtown to the North End Terminal, a major transfer point for all routes. - Cut service hours by 20%
Weeknight service would end at 9:15 pm instead of 11:15 pm, affecting many riders who use the bus to get home from evening and night shift jobs. - Weekend service would end one hour earlier
Service on many holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, would be eliminated.
What actions are needed to stop the cuts?
- Council members must amend the budget to increasing funding for MATA
- Memphis must stand together and demand a more equitable balance of the city budget. Tell our elected officials to keep their hands of our buses! Every Council members district will be adversely affected by these service cuts. Call your district representative!
Join us Tuesday, June 18th at City Hall, 125 N. Main for a press conference at 3:00 pm. Then, join us in the council chambers to show support for public transportation and equal access for all Memphis residents!