MATA tables controversial winter service proposal
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) Board has voted to table the unpopular winter service proposal that was announced last week.
Frustrated Memphians voiced their concerns at Tuesday’s board meeting ahead of the vote.
The proposal included major changes for riders that would begin in December, like several route suspensions, changes to route hours, and longer wait times between buses. The biggest change could be ending routes early at 7 p.m.
MATA bus riders say they can’t believe these proposed route cuts and service times are coming just before the holidays, but officials say the service cuts will improve bus routes to make them more effective.
MATA proposed the following changes to fixed routes:
- Monday through Saturday, MATA will have a minimum wait of one hour between buses.
- On Sundays, there will be a minimum wait of two hours between buses.
- Routes seven days a week will end at 7 p.m.
According to Johnnie Mosley, founding chairman of Citizens For Better Service, it was MATA administration who issued the proposal, and the board was... not on board.
Before the proposal was tabled at Tuesday’s meeting, the board proposed adjustments to increase some nighttime routes to run until 9 p.m., including:
- Route 8 - Chelsea/Highland
- Route 11- Frayser
- Route 36 - Lamar
- Route 42 - Crosstown
- Route 50 - Poplar
- Route 100 - Main Street Trolley
Another possible option put on the table — creating a city-wide service area called The Groove that will run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. every 15-20 minutes.
The board will discuss the proposed changes further at a later date.
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