As the Memphis Area Transit Authority plans to make leadership changes, riders are still demanding “real change” from the agency.
“A change in the top leadership at MATA is one way to improve,” Sammie Hunter, co-chair of Memphis Bus Riders Union, said. “Real change comes from the top to the bottom. It is time for real change.”
These comments come during a time of uncertainty for the agency. Months ago Memphis City Council appointed a City Trustee over the agency after continuous financial concerns. This news came in late August as MATA was preparing to choose a permanent CEO.
Interim CEO, John Lewis of TransPro Consulting, left the agency in August as his contract expired. MATA is currently looking to fill the roles for a chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and chief operations officer among others.
Johnnie Mosley, founding chairman of Citizens For Better Service said that little progress has been made since Lewis and his team have left the agency. According to Mosley, buses are still arriving late and customers are complaining about operator attitudes.
These ongoing issues conflicted with “glowing” reports from officials to the Memphis City Council, which ultimately resulted in the appointment of a city trustee.
The announcement of a trustee was met with mixed reviews from riders and advocacy groups alike. When the news was made public, groups such as Better Transit for a Better Memphis said that while the idea sounded good, they were still remaining cautious.
“We appreciate the Mayor and City Council’s efforts to ensure allocated funds are used properly; however, we deserve and are asking for transparency before decisions are made,” the group said. “Unfortunately, it is difficult to be hopeful and trusting when the last few moves, which were also quick and dramatic, have hampered MATA rather than being a productive tool to build something better.”
Advocacy groups took these concerns further on Wednesday as they spoke with MATA trustees about existing issues facing riders. According to a letter shared with trustees, riders are asking for a higher level of transparency, a change in culture, ethics, and team leadership, increased trust with stakeholders, and more.
Concerns also included no communications about late and no-show buses and “overzealous and overbearing security guards at bus terminals.”
Mosley added that the agency has had a history of strained relationships with the community and advocacy groups such as his and the Memphis Bus Riders Union. While he thanked the trustees for meeting with him and others, Mosley said they are remaining cautious about incoming changes and promises.
“We’ve heard this story before,” Mosley said. “We’ve heard there’s going to be transparency. We heard things were going to get better at MATA – but it’s gotten worse. We are very cautious. We’re going to see what type of move they’re going to make.”
The chairman said while they’re waiting to see what moves the agency will make, they’re still committed to working in their own power to improve conditions.