Make Public Transit a top CITY Priority

Right now, BETTER TRANSIT in the Memphis area is in a critical phase. Your support can make a great impact locally on economic and racial equity, poverty and truly making a BETTER MEMPHIS. Together, we can build on our victory in February, securing $5 million in added City funds that are preventing drastic new service cuts.

Earlier this week, MLK50 released an article with a troubling headline, "Council proposal would 'end' public transit in Memphis, says interim MATA CEO". Council members Jerri Green and Philip Spinosa Jr. proposed cutting MATA's funding to $15 million from the already too low $30 million proposed by Memphis Mayor Paul Young at a city council budget meeting on May 21, despite our urging that $30 million is not enough.

Some City Council leaders say accountability for the current MATA financial mess is the reason for once again withholding overdue investment in public transit. The problem is those responsible for the financial mishaps- the previous MATA administration, MATA Board, and City Administration and City Council- are now long gone. The interim MATA CEO has already identified multiple efficiences to maximize the current funding and has publicly presented multiple detailed financial reports. There are no more efficiencies to be found and no more excuses left.

Over the past year, Mayor Young and the City Council have taken BOLD action to get MATA back on track. With a brand new MATA board, new experienced leadership, and an ongoing financial deep dive, BTBM says NOW is the time for the Mayor and the City Council to continue the bold moves and increase the MATA operating budget funding.

With an investment of $50 million, $20 million more than the Mayor's proposed $30 million, MATA will be able to deliver 100% of the published schedule, restart the steel wheel trolleys, and pay vendor outstanding balances. On the flip side, if the City Council chooses to fund only $30 million or less and provide only a firm $15 million commitment as currently proposed, they will be solidifying the currently reduced schedule, which is only 70% of the COVID service schedule and most likely end public transit for Memphis.

Join us in urging Mayor Paul Young and the Memphis City Council to keep MATA on track and increase the MATA investment!

Send an email to the Mayor and City Council members using this email action link. Customize your message or send as is!

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Make Public Transit a top CITY priority this budget season!

Dear [elected official],

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Thank you for your dedication to getting MATA back on track! I appreciate your efforts in appointing a new MATA Board and providing $5 million in added funds to stop route cuts this past fiscal year. Memphis needs a high-performing accountable public transit system to provide on-time transit to jobs and other essential transit needs which will lower poverty and crime.

With a new board, new leadership, and audits underway, MATA is in a better place to ensure transparency and accountability. The Citizens of Memphis and MATA riders expectation is a transit system that must return from the COVID schedule and get on track with the Memphis Transit Vision.

That is why I urge you to increase the city's funding for MATA's operating budget by $20 million. With a $50 million investment from the City, MATA will be able to 1) deliver 100% of the published schedule, 2) restart the steel wheel trolleys, and 3) pay vendor outstanding balances. On the flip side, if the City Council chooses to fund only $30 million or less, you will be solidifying the current greatly reduced service schedule, which is only 70% of the COVID service schedule!

We also ask that you not support the current proposal to firmly allocate only $15 million to MATA and wait to see if improvements follow. Expecting improved results from even less funding will find MATA impaired to the point of collapse and perhaps closure.

We've got the right leadership and now is the time for the City to demonstrate their commitment to the thousands of daily riders and the thousands more who once could and can now no longer count on Public Transit, and the many others who share in your vision for a thriving Memphis.

Thank you,

Sincerely, [Your information here]