The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is offering free rides on its paratransit vehicles, fixed route and trolley buses tomorrow, June 15, in observance of the 12th annual national “Dump the Pump” day.
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the day is designed to encourage more people to “dump the gas pump” and opt to use public transportation instead of driving.
MATA will join more than 100 local transportation systems around the country, as each celebrates the option of public transportation and its financial benefits for individuals, as well as for the local economy.
For example, someone who rides public transportation rather than driving by car on their daily commute would benefit by saving over $800 a month, totaling $9,000 annually, according to an APTA report published earlier this month.
Additionally, APTA reports that every $1 invested in local public transportation systems will generate about $4 in economic return.
Providing an avenue to learn more about public transportation in Memphis, tomorrow at 5:50 p.m. MATA will hold a State of Public Transit in Memphis presentation, hosted by the Sierra Club-Chickasaw Group, at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.
Interim CEO of MATA Gary Rosenfeld will discuss the authority’s strategies for improving its services, along with answer questions about MATA’s current plans— some of which include the Midtown Area Connector project, the return of trolleys, and MATA’s environmental strategies.
In the meantime, see MATA’s routes and schedules here.