MBRU December Meeting.

MATA may close the North End Terminal

The Memphis Bus Riders Union met Saturday December 12, at the Memphis Center for Independent Living to update the membership on MATA issues and vote on officers and amendments to the group’s by-laws. There were more than 20 members present and the meeting was followed by a Holiday Blowout party for MBRU and other grassroots groups in the Memphis area. 

Most critically, MATA has limited use of the William Hudson North End Terminal downtown and they plan to close it completely for four months while it is renovated. MBRU was essential in getting needed improvements for riders at the terminal and the membership was concerned that the closure was a ploy to close the terminal permanently. 

Currently the terminal has been closed to public parking and is used by the Memphis Police Department. MBRU noted much secrecy about the North End Terminal and nothing being discussed at the MATA board meeting. 

Newly elected secretary Justin Davis noted that there was a “few pretty big changes that the executive committee was recommending for MBRU.” The members of MBRU voted to include dues in the monthly membership. Each member will pay from $3 to $50 each month or provide equivalent volunteer hours of work. Before the change, a member only needed to fill out an application. Booklets will be provided to members in good-standing that will show that they have paid their dues. The new by-laws will also divide the MBRU meetings into a public meeting first, followed by a meeting only for MBRU members. 

Cindy Bailey and Sammie Hunter were re-elected as co-chairs of MBRU. Justin Davis was elected Secretary and Bennett Foster as Treasurer. Please make plans to attend the next meeting of the MBRU on January 9, 2016. The meeting will be at noon at the Memphis Center for Independent Living, 1633 Madison Avenue.