Transportation Changes

Be involved with transportation improvement in Memphis

By Allison Donald
The Memphis Bus Riders' Union (MBRU) has been working diligently to get back the Crosstown 31 route, as well as asking for extended service hours on the weekends.  The campaign was largely successful because of community involvement.  If progress is going to continue, the disability community must get involved with the Memphis Bus Riders’ Union so that our issues with accessibility and MATAplus can be properly addressed and resolved.

The 31 Crosstown (Firestone) route is not the only change that will effect riders.  The changes from December 10 will impact the 7 Air Park, 11 Frayser/Raleigh, 12 Florida, 40 Wolfchase, 47 Shelby Farms, 56 Lamar, and 77 West Memphis bus routes. MATAplus is impacted by the fixed-route service changes; they will only operate at the same times and within three-quarters of a mile of the fixed-route.
Ms. Bobbie Fields has been riding MATAplus for more than thirty years.  Ms. Fields lives along the 7 Air Park bus route, and due to the changes MATA has made service has stopped on Sundays and limited travel times on Monday through Saturday.  

“I have to find alternative transportation on Saturdays, she said.  “The inconsistencies of when I am able to travel and where and how. It is clearly noted on my profile the type of vehicle that is needed to accommodate my trips.”  

Ms. Fields’ experience with MATAplus is all too common. We must get involved and stay informed and engaged about the changes that effect our ability to travel in Memphis as people with disabilities.

For more information, visit the MATA website at: www.matatransit.com/mapsandschedules/DEC2017draftschedules or call the MATA Call Center hotline at 901-274-6282. Information specialists are available to assist with schedules and routing information from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - Friday and from 7:30 am to 4 pm on Saturday. Please note that the MATA Call Center hours may vary on observed holidays.
  
If you     live in or near one of these areas and you ride MATAplus please call ahead at 901-722-7171 and listen to the prompt until you get the reservation line to find out if you are still within the service area.  Memphis Bus Riders Union meeting are held every second Saturday of the month from 12:00 to 200pm at the Cossitt Library.