A subpoena could be in the offing for MATA, following a decision by board members of the troubled transit authority to trim several routes during a Tuesday, Sept. 24 meeting.
Memphis City Council member Chase Carlisle suggested the legal maneuver as an option towards a better look into the agency’s operations, reported The Daily Memphian.
“I’m fully prepared to use our subpoena power. If the city administration and council continue to not receive timely, accurate information then I am inclined to make an official request no later than the October 15 meeting,” Carlisle said in a text message.
In all, five bus routes were cut in an effort to right-size a perennial money-losing operation. They include:
-
- Route 16 Southeast Circulator
- Route 28 Airport
- Route 34 Central & Walnut Grove
- Route 37 Perkins
- Route 69 Winchester
- Zone 3 Cordova Ready on Demand!
According to MATA, the affected routes were selected based on “current ridership, available funding and community feedback.”
“This decision was not made lightly. Our goal is to ensure that MATA remains responsive to the needs of the community while optimizing our resources for long-term sustainability. These changes reflect our commitment to enhancing service where it is most needed,” said Michael Fulton, Chair of the MATA Board of Commissioners.
Largely funded through federal and state grants, MATA’s budgets trended upwards as ARPA funds, for example, flowed in during the pandemic years. However, the rug was pulled out from under the transit authority, when the $180 million fund ran out.
A recent audit revealed 8-figure deficits are the norm. In fact, this year’s $60 million deficit was fairly typical for the operation. Over the last 10 years, shortfalls have ranged from $19 million to $91 million.
Despite being a member of MATA leadership for years, interim CEO Bacarra Mauldin has denied any knowledge of the annual deficits.
Nevertheless, she can’t deny the consequences. Last year, MATA’s budget was $85 million. FY2025…$60 million. A surplus of $800,000 has been forecast.
In an effort to bring in more revenue, bus fares will also be adjusted to their pre-pandemic rates of $1.75 for regular routes. A new rate of $2.00 will also be introduced for Ready! On Demand services.
“These updates provide affordable transit options and reflect MATA’s commitment to offering flexible transportation solutions for the Memphis community,” said MATA.
Still, not everyone is convince the route cut is the proper solution to solving MATA’s woes.
Council Transportation Committee chair Edmund Ford, Sr., has vowed to restore the affected routes – along with restoring jobs lost in the shuffle.
In all, 173 roles were “reduced.” Seventy-five positions were eliminated.
In addition to 18 trolley workers laid off during a recent safety “stand down,” 28 administration personnel were let go. The 52 unionized members affected were given 60 days notice. Efforts are underway to inform them of access to benefits, like 401k accounts. Overtime hours were also trimmed by 30%.
There are 340 staff members remaining.
Although a transportation committee meeting was not held on Tuesday, Sept. 24 – likely in anticipation of the board’s vote – one can be expected on Oct. 1, when the council meets again. Ford promised to pencil updates into the committee’s calendar for the foreseeable future.
Carlisle is also a member of the committee.
