MATAplus 30-Minute Window

October STAC Report

By Allison Donald
The Specialized Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC) elected Stephen Tennial as the new interim chair.  Mr. Tennial, from MCIL has been riding MATAplus for ten years and replaces Rexcey Bowers.  

“I hope to bring leadership, innovative ideas, and fairness in regard to riders and MATAplus” said Mr. Tennial. “I hope to make some headway on the services provided to the riders.”
Attendees of the meeting were Allison Donald (Secretary), Anthony Amos (MATA plus Disability Coordinator), STAC members June Mangum, Savannah Morris, and guests Lonnie Collins and, Nancy Balazadeh. 

It is the goal of STAC to continue the open communication with MATA and the MATAplus administration.  The Committee is continuing to delve into the new MATAplus rider’s guide that was updated in May of 2019.  MATA is also working with Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired to provided braille copies of the Rider’s Guide.  If you need copies of the Guide contact MATA administrative offices by calling 901-722-7100.

“I hope that Mr. Amos is as genuine and sincere as he comes across and not attempting to pacify us in the moment,” said Mr. Tennial. “I look forward to working with Mr. Amos toward building a mutually beneficial relationship between riders and MATA administration.”

One of the first issues STAC will undertake is understanding of the 30-minute window and how it affects MATAplus riders.  The MATAplus Rider’s Guide it is ambiguous and leaves room for misinterpretation by riders and MATA staff.  The Rider’s Guide should be clear about the 30-minute window.  

The STAC is intently focused on the customer experience as well.  The Committee pleased that MATA administration has purchased 10 new vehicles. Five of the new buses are rear loading vans and five are side loading access vans for MATAplus.  As with any new purchase there will be some good points and some bad, but overall the members of STAC agreed that the new vehicles were a good purchase.  

Allison will be reviewing the seatbelt policy for riders of MATAplus.

As a committee STAC will remain committed to bringing the disability community the information that is needed about the ever changing MATAplus service.  If you would like to attend the next meeting will be on November 15th at 2:00pm in the 8th floor conference room. 

If you have any questions please contact the Memphis Center for Independent Living located at 5100 Poplar Avenue Suite 810 at 901-726-6404.  You can also follow us on social media @MemphisCIL #MCILToday, www.mcil.org, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcilACTION to keep up with the latest news on MATAplus.