The Memphis Bus Riders Union is a grassroots organization fighting for accessible, affordable, and equitable public transit in our city. Our members are people who depend on MATA and supporters, and our work is essential for highlighting the racism and classism present in Memphis’ grossly inadequate bus system.
Happy New Year, transit warriors! Before we celebrate 2017 at the Anniversary Gala, we’ll be hard at work planning for the year ahead. Our first meeting of the year will be on January 13th from 12 to 2 PM, at the Memphis Center for Independent Living (1633 Madison)! You can get there on the #2 bus route. Because the Cossitt Library is closed for renovations, keep an eye on our newsletter for upcoming meeting locations!
We’ll also be downtown this Monday, January 15th, at 9 AM for the annual MLK Day Parade! Dr. King’s legacy includes important work around the racism and classism of public transit in the South, and we’re happy to come out and celebrate that legacy every year. We’ll meet at the little park on Main Street & A.W. Willis, next to the North End Terminal. Find the Teamsters’ event page on Facebook here.
In the past week, MBRU has been following the current fight around Kroger. Kroger has recently announced the closing of two stores in South Memphis and Orange Mound, communities that have also suffered from insufficient bus service. Without these stores, many people will have to travel farther for things like fresh produce, and these closings show how many parts of our city have little or no access to the resources they need to thrive. Please support the efforts of residents organizing in these communities! Follow this event page by JUICE Orange Mound to hear about what residents there are planning.
Finally, if you haven’t taken Memphis 3.0’s Transit Vision survey, you can find it here! We want to make sure that the voices of bus riders are heard as the City prepares a long-term plan for MATA services.
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MBRU holds meetings on the 2nd Saturday of each month. If you have any questions, or you’re interested in joining our work, contact organizer Justin Davis at justin@midsouthpeace.org. And follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see more updates!