Memphis deserves public transit that works.

MATAplus is unreliable

By Allison Donald, Disability Connection Independent Living Specialist

I rely on MATAplus — not by choice, but because it’s my only way to get where I need to go. Like thousands of other Memphians, I depend on public transportation for everyday needs: work, doctor’s appointments, community meetings, groceries — just living life.

Due to capacity constraints being practiced by MATA — which are actually illegal — riders like me now have to schedule every MATAplus trip three days in advance. That means if you need a ride on Thursday, you have to call Monday morning at 8:00 am sharp. I tried this recently, calling at 8:15 am — a little late, but still early enough, right? By the time the reservationist took my call, I was able to schedule my 7 am ride to work… but was told there was no return trip available for the afternoon.

This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier that threatens my job and my independence. Without a guaranteed ride home, I’m forced to scramble for alternatives or pay out of pocket — which isn’t sustainable.

Not long ago, after finishing a long shift at work, I was denied a return trip home altogether. No explanation. No backup option. Just “No ride available.” I ended up paying for an Uber just to get home. That’s become part of my reality now — a constant gamble on whether I’ll actually be able to get where I’m going. And I’m not alone.

For disabled riders, these aren’t minor inconveniences. They’re disruptions that affect our health, our jobs, our safety, and our dignity. When the system fails — and it does often — there’s usually no one there to make it right. You’re just left dealing with the fallout.

So when I say that MATA is failing, I don’t mean that as a figure of speech. I mean it literally, daily, and at a personal cost. I mean people are being left behind — stranded, ignored, and treated like we don’t matter in a city that claims to care about access and equity.

Recently, a majority of MATA board members resigned in protest. Sandi Klink, one of the only voices on the board who truly understood the disability community, was one of the first to resign. Her departure matters more than people realize. She wasn’t just a name on a list — she was a disability rights advocate and a fierce defender of accessible transit. With her gone, the little trust many of us had in MATA’s leadership is quickly eroding.

Klink said it best in her resignation letter to Mayor Young:

“This Board has been working very hard and has been disrespected and undermined. It was an absolute honor working with very strong and talented leaders on this Board, not so with a distrustful City Council.

Personally I am very disappointed in your lack of support and commitment to this Board and to the Disability Community.”

She’s right. MATAplus is stretched thin. There are never enough drivers. You book your ride days in advance and still end up waiting or getting no ride at all. Calls go unanswered. Fixed-route buses aren’t reliable either — and let’s not forget the inaccessibility of many bus stops or the lack of proper driver training. If you rely on MATA, you learn quickly that “on time” and “dependable” are just words in a brochure.

When you don’t drive and can’t afford other transportation, you’re stuck. Not metaphorically — literally. Stuck at work, stuck at the grocery store, stuck at the doctor’s office, stuck outside in the heat. And all of this is made worse by how little urgency there is from MATA to actually fix what’s broken.

We need change. Not just new board members, but people who actually use the system, who understand what it’s like to wait two hours for a bus or have to pay $25 for a ride home because the one you scheduled never showed. We need real accountability, better training, better communication, and a commitment to accessibility that shows up in more than just statements.

Memphis deserves public transit that works. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about buses — it’s about basic human rights. The right to move, to work, to participate in your community without constant barriers.

For the latest updates on MATA and MATAplus service, visit www.disabilitymidsouth.org

MATA SUV Parking Illegally

A Disheartening Incident: When MATA Vehicles Misuse Accessible Parking

At Disability Connection Midsouth, we believe in advocating for the rights and dignity of our community members. A core part of that advocacy involves ensuring that public spaces are truly accessible for everyone. Recently, we were confronted with a frustrating example of this need when a MATA-branded vehicle was found misusing accessible parking.

Accessible parking spaces are not a convenience; they are a vital resource. These spaces, along with their crucial access aisles, are legally designated for individuals with disabilities who have the required placards or license plates. They provide a safe and practical way for people with mobility challenges to get in and out of their vehicles and access the places they need to go, especially in the sweltering Memphis heat.

On Wednesday, August 13th, at a Kroger on Union Avenue, a MATA-branded SUV was observed parked illegally. Not only was the vehicle in a designated accessible spot, but it was also angled in such a way that it blocked the access aisle, a critical area for people who need extra space to deploy a ramp or maneuver a wheelchair.

This incident is particularly disheartening because it involves a public transit authority that is meant to serve the community. The misuse of these spaces by MATA staff shows a profound lack of awareness and respect for the very community they are supposed to serve. It undermines the trust we place in our public agencies to uphold the law and model respectful behavior.

It is important to remember that most drivers do the right thing and park appropriately. But one incident like this can make it hard to advocate for public transit when we see examples of what appears to be a lack of basic consideration for community needs.

We have reached out to MATA's Acting CEO, John Lewis, to request an investigation and to suggest a path forward. Our hope is that this incident can be used as a teaching moment, prompting MATA to provide retraining for its staff on their responsibilities to the community.

This isn't about one parking ticket; it's about a broader responsibility to create an inclusive and respectful society. We will continue to hold our public institutions accountable and fight for a Midsouth where everyone can move freely and safely.

If you witness similar violations, please document the time, date, location, and vehicle information. You can report these issues to the property owner or local law enforcement. For questions or to learn more about accessible parking, contact us at Disability Connection Midsouth.