MATAplus is getting worse

“you can’t understand a city without using its public transportation system”

By Allison Donald

Over the past three years the service that MATAplus provides has gone from bad to horrendous. There are some people who may believe that the capacity constraints, driver shortage, and lack of all customer service have become staples of MATAplus. They are right! 

The Specialized Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC) tried to hold them accountable, but the STAC  was disbanded when the two sides could not find common ground to work together. 

For many riders trying to get a ride on MATAplus has become a mixed bag that often leaves Memphians with disabilities with no ride and no other affordable, accessible transportation options.

Rexcey Bowers has been a MATAplus rider for more than five years and says, “MATAplus was not perfect, but now all you get is ‘no mutually beneficial times’ and ride requests going to

Voicemail. It’s very hard to schedule a simple trip to the barbershop these days.”

As a service MATAplus has a long way to go to be a part of the affordable, accessible and most importantly reliable form of transportation network for Memphians living with disabilities. The rider’s guide was updated, the information the website provides is more comprehensive, and they also have a new assessment process. All of these things show effort towards the

appearance of trying to improve; yet, the service continues to suffer. 

Along with all those improvements MATA also has added a senior ride component, they have also added the READY bus which all at some point use MATA

plus drivers to make those elements of MATA work.

The most important issue no one is talking about regarding MATAplus’ drivers is the fact that those drivers are paid less than their counterparts on the fixed route. As a result, it may be hard to retain good drivers when the fixed route is more beneficial.

However, as people with disabilities we must continue to demand better service. As a community of people with disabilities, we have work to do as well, to ensure that MATAplus

and MATA are an accessible form of transportation. We must attend more MATAplus meetings, have a better understanding of the Rider’s Guide, and become more involved in non-disability related organizations regarding transportation. 

As the quote goes, “you can’t understand a city without using its public transportation system” and a vital part of that is understanding how important Memphians with disabilities are in that conversation.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your riding experience on MATAplus please

feel free to contact me at allisond@disabilitymidsouth.org or 901-726-6404 extension 118.