STAC Report

The Specialized Transportation Advisory Committee struggles for representation

By Allison Donald

The Specialized Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC) met for its first official meeting of 2020.  As a committee we continue to work to assist MATA in identifying issues that negatively impact the customer experience.  This year we are pushing for a dedicated funding to improve public transportation as a whole.  In addition, STAC is continuing to offer suggestions to improve MATAplus service and calling for more accountability on the MATAplus side.

Mr. Amos the ADA Compliance Officer for MATA mentioned that the lack of a dedicated funding source continues to hurt the frequency and quality service MATAplus provides.  Bobbie Fields STAC co-chair and Mr. Amos, suggested that we start a letter writing campaign to keep the conversation of securing dedicated funding going.  As a committee we are pushing toward public transit that is adequate and inclusive of all.

“If Memphis wants to thrive we must invest in public transit,” said Allison Donald STAC secretary, “and Memphians living with disabilities must be included in shaping that vision.”

STAC continues to push for improvements with the current service.  Stephen Tennial, the interim chair, supports the idea of extra vehicles being rolled out at the beginning of the month which would be dedicated to those individuals working or going to school. STAC also would like to do a survey of MATAplus that would take a look at the rider’s experience.  Both suggestions were just a beginning to finding possible solutions for the ongoing issues with the area paratransit service. 

“If we (MATA) were to do as suggested,” said Anthony Amos, “that would be ride prioritization.”

Mr. Amos pointed out that representatives from the FTA recently visited reviewed the policies and procedures and found MATA not in violation of the ADA.  The members of STAC called into question the “30 minute window rule” and whether MATA was stretching the interpretation in order to maintain high on time performance numbers.

The most contentious part of the meeting occurred when STAC asked for the policies and procedures that govern the day-to-day operations of MATAplus. 

Anthony Amos expressed frustration about the course STAC has taken.  He suggested that the committee is stagnant and no longer is representative of the community of riders.  As a result Mr. Amos wants to postpone the March meeting.  He stated he would like to pick the time, place, and community representatives who will be attending the next meeting.

There has not been a date set for the next STAC meeting.  When we are notified we will be sure to get it out to the community.