More MATA route cuts hurt Memphis

 A letter to the editor of the Commercial Appeal by Johnny Mosley 

I am disappointed. Fifty [years] after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life while helping low-income local workers, MATA is proposing to make life more miserable for low-income bus riders by cutting and eliminating bus service across Shelby County.

Be aware, those who live in Boxtown, Westwood, New Chicago, N orthaven, Whitehaven, and areas near the University of Memphis Area and Shelby Farms. MATA is proposing to eliminate the 5 Central, 6 Northhaven, 31 Firestone, 38 Boxtown, 46 Whitehaven, and 47 Shelby Farms Park to balance its annual budget. Cutting those routes will also mean the end of public transportation for residents who depend on MATAPLUS for their transportation needs.

I understand that MATA is required to balance its budget. But I believe there is something fundamentally and morally wrong about MATA balancing its budget on the backs of low-income bus riders when there are other ways: Streamline its administration; Impose a hiring freeze; Initiate administrative salary caps; Put smaller buses on routes in communities where big buses are not necessary; Incorporate service changes by riders, current and retired bus drivers who know the bus routes better than some members of the MATA administration.

If it is true, as MATA claims, that the system is experiencing heavy financial troubles beyond its control, maybe the time has come for MATA to file Chapter 9 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. In doing so, MATA may be able to seek protection from its creditors while organizing a plan to adjust and repay debts. At the same time, MATA may be able to buy the much-needed time to strengthen the public transportation system so bus riders will no longer have to constantly worry about losing their transportation lifeline every six months.

I am convinced that if MATA wants the citizens of Shelby County to support a dedicated funding source to provide an additional $30 million for its annual operating budget, MATA must first prove it can provide adequate public transportation for current riders who are struggling to live productive lives.

The MATA board is scheduled to vote on its proposed service cuts at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. If approved, route cuts would begin Nov. 11. Join us at the meeting. Let your voices be heard loud and clear.

Johnnie Mosley, chairman, Citizens For Better Service