Progress at MATA?

Riding the Road to Transit Equity in Memphis

By Allison Donald

Public transit in Memphis has long reflected scarcity—of funding, trust, and consistent leadership. For riders, that scarcity shows up in missed connections, long waits, and limited options that shape daily life. Recent updates from MATA Trustee Rodrick Holmes signal movement in a more responsible direction, but progress alone does not equal transformation. Memphis needs a transit system that is affordable, accessible, and reliable for all.

For tens of thousands of Memphians, riding MATA is a necessity, not a convenience. It’s the mother rushing to a second job, the student racing to class, the father relying on MATAplus for critical appointments. These rides are lifelines—but they have been fragile for decades.

Buses fail to show on time. Shelters are very few in our city and offer little protection from the heat, the cold and a hard rain. Routes are limited. Schedules are unpredictable. These gaps are not minor inconveniences—they limit opportunity, drive up traffic congestion, overload parking and reinforce inequality.

Some improvements are worth noting. The Free Fare Pilot has increased ridership 18% overall according to the Daily Memphian (12/2/2025). This has shown that removing fares expands access to jobs, education, and essential services. Fifteen new vans for MATAplus riders help address delays, buses have been revitalized, shelters built, and customer service staffing increased with de-escalation training.

These changes matter—but they are incremental. Paratransit (MATAplus) riders still face delays, and fixed-route service remains limited in coverage and reliability. Staffing shortages, aging infrastructure, and limited fleet capacity continue to restrict access. 

“Due to capacity constraints I am now having to pay extra money for rides,” explains MATAplus rider Kendra Brown, “because I cannot get a ride on a consistent basis.”

Her experience shows that gaps in service don’t just inconvenience riders—they have tangible financial and life consequences.

Some operational decisions illustrate both caution and vulnerability. Holmes canceled previously ordered buses after staff found them mechanically unsound. Expansion slowed, but unsafe vehicles were kept off the road. Safety matters—but deferred investment continues to constrain the system.

“It is encouraging,” said Organizer Ron Davis, who has worked so riders voices are heard by the MATA management, “that Mr. Holmes is working with community partners and his staff to change the narrative regarding MATA.” 

Building a truly equitable system requires organized, sustained community engagement. More than 40,000 Memphians signed up for the new payment system a year ago. The 40k Strong campaign, a movement designed to center the stories of riders themselves, is looking to include all the potential daily bus riders in the area. 

Holmes’ updates at City Council committee meetings are one opportunity for accountability—but participation cannot stop at observation. Riders, advocates, and residents must attend the monthly City Council committee meetings when Holmes presents MATA updates and push for concrete outcomes.

Better Transit for a Better Memphis invites community members to join the Transit Equity Team. Help monitor policy decisions, advocate for sustained investment, and ensure that riders—especially those most affected by disinvestment—remain at the center of every conversation. Your involvement is essential.

February 7, 2026, will be Transit Equity Day in Memphis. This is not symbolic. It is a day to demand that public transit be treated as essential infrastructure and a civil right. Showing up, in person or virtually, transforms acknowledgment into accountability.

Public transit is more than moving people. It is connection, opportunity, and the backbone of a city that values all its residents. The 40,000-strong movement shows that Memphians care deeply about a system that works equitably. The future of Memphis transit depends on who engages, who holds decision-makers accountable, and who refuses to accept incrementalism over equity. Progress is happening—but without sustained, organized advocacy, it will not deliver true justice.

For ongoing advocacy, resources, and updates, visit Disability Midsouth.