MATA not making Called Stops

Memphis Transportation Advisory Committee

The monthly MTAC meeting was dominated by discussion of the called-stops currently on the MATA fixed-route system. Called-stops are the announcements that the bus operator or automated system audibly make to inform passengers where the bus is.

Called stops are an important accommodation for bus riders who are blind or visually impaired. They are also important for people with cognitive disabilities who may learn to use the fixed-route rather than being stuck in the paratransit system. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that called-stops should include transfer points, major intersections, landmarks as well as stops requested by passengers.

MATA administration recognizes that the current announcement system is not compliant with the ADA. Without MTAC guidance, the MATA administration and the MATA ADA Compliance official would have never recognized the civil-rights limitation of the system and the exposure to a federal lawsuit.

Notes from the March 22, 2018 bus ride listed on the MCIL Journal show just one example of the problems in the MATA called stops. First the Route 34 did not make any audible announcements. The Route 50 had clear announcements, but it did not list crossing routes, major landmarks (the public library) and important intersections (East Parkway).

MATA administration admitted that all bus announcements lacked the basic compliance to the federal guidelines. Typically, the MATA announcements will be at the time-points listed on the schedule and there are alternating messages to patrons about MATA policy or services.

MTAC is looking at two main goals of bus stop announcements and a re-determination fair for MATAplus. MATA administration last night at the City Council meeting said they were “rolling out” free fares for certified Paratransit riders who ride the fixed-route. They also announced at the MTAC meeting that MATA was looking into purchasing 17 accessible bus shelters with advanced features.

Of course many Memphians are looking forward the MATA rolling out the Trolleys on April 30 at 11:AM.