“This room is packed like the 50 Poplar” Cynthia Bailey, organizer with the Memphis Bus Riders Union quipped on the microphone Tuesday to a packed room of over 150 bus riders and drivers who attended MATA’s first public hearing on route cuts and changes to come this August.
The evening was marked with many heartfelt comments from riders whose livelihood will be diminished by job loss, increased travel time, loss of access to grocery stores, health services and other necessities. Some crammed together in the doorways of the room to listen to the truth being told. “I have been on a bus when people have called in and said, this bus is running late. And you know what their manager says? Don’t even worry about coming in. That’s sad. There is no way we can get ahead if we do not have a quality public transportation system,” said Sheila Williams. Shouts of “tell it” and “amen” could be heard through the applause. City budget cuts to public transportation have increased at a time when MATA is already dealing with a shortfall in federal funding and a 3.6% increase in ridership.
Memphis Bus Riders Union brought a message that directed the frustration straight to the source. “I’ve been up there on the 5th floor” said MBRU organizer Georgia “Mother” King, speaking of the City Council’s recent budget hearings that left MATA with a 17% cut in city funding. “I’ve seen what goes on up there in committee. I know y’all (MATA) are broke. If the city can give these multibillion dollar corporations all these tax incentives then we know where the money is. We’ve got to fight for it”. MBRU continues to argue that MATA needs a dedicated revenue stream for adequate funding in every budget cycle. Mayor Wharton has broken his campaign promise to make public transportation a priority by willfully balancing the city budget on the backs of low income residents.
Join MBRU Thursday July 25th at MATA’s second public hearing is 5:30 pm to 7;30 pm at the Airways Transit Center 3033 Airways blvd. Then join us Saturday July 27 from 12 pm to 2 pm at the Memphis Center for Independent Living 1633 Madison Ave. for a work and strategy meeting. We are organizing a public forum of our own to be held on August 3rd. Please call 901.205.9737 or email MemphisBRU@gmail.com to find out how you can get involved!
Press coverage from the hearing:
MATA Proposes Layoffs, Route Cuts And Changes WREG
MATA Riders Protest Proposed Route Changes WMC TV