The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA’s) Board of Commissioners voiced their commitment to addressing internal financial problems, following the release of a monetary audit.
Earlier this week, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a management consulting agency, released an audit on the transit authority. The report detailed several financial failures by the agency, including incomplete invoices, unchecked spending, and operation “without a defined budget.”
“MATA was unable to consistently provide documentation requested by PwC for selected transactions,” the report said. “This includes required approvals, certain financial documentation (e.g. purchase orders and invoices) and other supporting documentation (e.g. contracts) to assess business purpose and/or proof of performance for payments to vendors.”
The report recommended the agency “establish a strong internal control environment” to improve public trust and viability.
Ana McQuiston, a MATA commissioner, used Wednesday’s board meeting to address the findings with the public.
The board issued the following statement:
“The MATA Board of Commissioners acknowledges receipt of the Financial Lookback report prepared by PwC. We take the findings and recommendations in the report very seriously. As a public agency, MATA is committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and adherence to all established policies and procedures. We will conduct a thorough review of its contents and collaborate with the city of Memphis to assess any opportunities for strengthening internal control and improving financial oversight. Focus remains on serving the public responsibility and restoring trust through continuous improvements and responsible stewardship.”
McQuiston clarified that the spending detailed in the report was made under former employees, and was not a reflection of the current board or leadership. She also assured the public that the board was working with the city to strengthen protocol and operational standards.
The board announced that they had filled the position of chief financial officer (CFO). The agency had operated without one since 2023. The agency will officially introduce the candidate in August.
MATA has also begun the search for a permanent CEO, following the dismissal of former interim CEO, Bacarra Mauldin. John Lewis, TransPro consultant, is currently assuming the role.
McQuiston said the board is prioritizing transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community trust for the position.
“We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete this turnaround and restore public confidence in MATA,” McQuiston said.
While the board sought to ensure the community of its commitment, some members of the public expressed dissatisfaction with the commissioner’s handling of current affairs.
“I don’t see the board or MATA working toward any kind of long-term goal,” Susan Morris said. “You don’t have a plan of what you’d like transit to be like in 15-20 years. I really don’t know what you want.”
Morris said while she’s aware the audit does not reflect the current board or leadership, she believes the board should pursue criminal charges against those responsible.
Other used the meeting as an opportunity to encourage the choosing of a CEO candidate that has a relationship with the ridership and seeks public accountability.
“The last two CEOs have been off the chain,” Sammie Hunter, co-chair of Memphis Bus Riders Union said. “They didn’t have any kind of relationship with these bus riders and turned their nose up at us like we weren’t nothing — but we’re people.”
Hunter added that the public was integral in urging Memphis City Council to hold the agency accountable. The public’s concern, he said, combined with that of city officials, has resulted in increased reporting from MATA.
