Greetings, transit warriors! In 2 weeks, the MATA Board of Commissioners will vote on service changes that would go into effect this fall. These changes include cutting seven routes, like the 31 Firestone and 5 Central, and changing frequency and weekend service on many more–read the full list here. If these massive cuts go through, bus riders all over the city will have their jobs, schools, and livelihoods disrupted. Come to MATA Headquarters on Thursday, September 27 at 3:30 to see the Board vote on these changes!
Also, we had a great time at our September meeting! We talked about strategies for expanding our outreach, planned for upcoming town halls, and weighed some of the pros and cons of a transportation utility fee. We also welcomed some new members and guests–we’re always looking for folks who are invested in better transit, so tell a friend to come join us! Our next meeting will be Saturday, October 13th from 12-2 PM at A Step Ahead Foundation (Suite 451 in the Crosstown Concourse).
Finally, we want to highlight the conversation happening in City Council about a transportation utility fee. Councilman Edmund Ford, Jr. has proposed adding a flat fee to MLGW bills that would go to fixing potholes and sidewalks, and potentially create a dedicated funding source for MATA. MBRU is waiting to see what a full proposal for this fee would look like, and how it would impact working-class Memphians. Check out this article by Maya Smith in the Memphis Flyer.
***Take MBRU’s new TRANSIT SURVEY! We want to hear from riders all over Memphis about how you use MATA service in your neighborhoods. We’re working on making versions that are accessible for even more Memphians. Take the online version in English here, and here is la encuesta en Español. We’ll also have paper surveys at all our town halls this year!***
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MBRU holds meetings on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 12-2 PM; our next meeting is October 13th at A Step Ahead Foundation, in the Crosstown Concourse. 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, Twitter, and Instagram to see more updates!