MEMPHIS, Tenn. — With the looming threat of mass layoffs, the future of the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) remains to be determined. Community members told MATA at a public hearing that what they are doing right now isn't working for the long run.
MATA patrons attended a public hearing at the William Hudson Transit Center Saturday afternoon, Aug. 24, bringing up MATA initiatives like Groove On Demand, which they say aren't up to par.
"I cannot go any further on the demand service, Cleveland, and Union; if I need to go further, I need to get additional transportation," one attendee said.
Another continued, "That's why people don't want to deal with on-demand service, because you say you're gonna pick them up and you don't pick them up. It's not consistent."
MATA is now in a $60 million deficit and has been trying to make cutbacks to transit, including suspending trolley services. This could result in hundreds of layoffs and threaten bus routes.
During the hearing, MATA representatives encouraged Memphians to voice their concerns in a questionnaire that they say will be presented to the administration.
"We can't work together when you're not being upfront with us," said Sammie Hunter, Co-Chair of the Memphis Bus Riders Union. "Being truthful with us. That's what she (Interim CEO Bacarra Mauldin) needs to know."
Earlier this month, Mayor Paul Young launched a forensic audit into matters of financial deficit, which intends to find out where the money went and how MATA used it.
Johnnie Mosley, who attended the meeting, says even though MATA's future looks bleak, he remains hopeful.
"I think the best way to improve the system is to increase the frequency and make sure that the busses are more reliable," he said. "You have people waiting for the busses, an hour, two hours."
Although Mosley says he is hopeful, he is still very concerned that mass layoffs will take effect next week.
The Board of Commissioners has a scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27, where they will present a resolution to approve the fiscal year 2025 budget.