Public transportation groups have called for Memphis Area Transit Authority’s (MATA) interim CEO Bacarra Mauldin to resign, following the agency’s decision to suspend routes and increase fares.
“Bacarra Mauldin, the Interim CEO of MATA, is part of the old leadership which has caused the problems at MATA for years,” said Johnnie Mosley, president of Citizens for Better Service. “If it is true, as she claims, that she sat two doors from her predecessor without knowledge of MATA’s financial operations, it does not reflect well on her leadership. Therefore, she must not be trusted to lead MATA out of the wilderness.”
Sammie Hunter, co-chair of the Memphis Bus Riders Union, said they believe MATA is more concerned about its leadership than its riders. Hunter said they do not trust Mauldin’s leadership.
“It is time for Bacarra Mauldin to go,” Cynthia Bailey, the other co-chair of Memphis Bus Riders Union, added.
MATA has put several cost-saving measures into effect in hopes of addressing the agency’s financial woes and improving its viability, but the measures haven’t stopped members of the public from voicing their concerns.
At its Tuesday board meeting, the MATA board decided to cut six bus routes, including Route 16 Southeast Circulator, Route 28 Airport, Route 34 Central and Walnut Grove, Route 37 Perkins, Route 69 Winchester, and Zone 3 Cordova Ready! On Demand. The cuts will go into effect November 3rd.
“No one wants to recommend this service reduction,” John Lancaster, MATA’s chief development officer, said. “It is essentially a financial consideration.” Lancaster added that the cuts are a balance between finance and equipment.
The agency held 19 public meetings prior to the board meeting to discuss the changes. After hearing from the community, the agency said many had a desire to maintain the current bus service, and they wanted service to last longer, and an improved on-time performance.
“The public hasn’t changed in what they want and what they need. It’s just our ability to deliver these services,” Lancaster said.
In addition to route suspensions, the board also decided to raise fares for MATA’s fixed-route buses. Adult base fare will be $1.75 compared to the current fare of $1.00. The increases also affect fares for students, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. Fares for FastPasses were also increased.
The last time the agency increased its fares was in 2011.
Citizens for Better Service and the Memphis Bus Riders Union have long been vocal about service changes and how they adversely affect the public. They voiced concern when the agency announced it had a $60 million deficit, and criticized MATA for the termination of more than 200 employees as a result of a newly approved budget.
The groups said that the cuts send a mesage to riders and drivers “that [the board] is in favor of service cuts and layoffs.”
A MATA spokesperson said MATA officials were unavailable for comments.
