Memphis Bus Riders Union Scoring Victories

Streetsblog USA has been keeping close tabs on the bus system in Memphis, recently noticing signs of progress from the local transit agency, MATA.

1 minute read

September 24, 2016, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

This is a Beale Street tour bus, but the sentiment could use some momentum for the other buses in Memphis. | Noel Pennington / Flickr

According to Angie Schmitt, the Memphis Bus Riders Union is getting results: "Mayor Jim Strickland has allocated an additional $7.5 million from the city budget toward the transit system this year. About $5 million of that will be reserved for replacing buses — an absolute necessity."

As Schmitt notes, the Bus Riders Union has another major goal that will require another $3.5 million annually: "to revive the 31 Crosstown bus route, serving north and south Memphis."

Schmitt provides context on the "shameful state" of Memphis' bus system, which she also covered in March, in addition to reporting the good news. The Memphis Bus Riders Union also made news in November 2015, when it took the rare step of unifying with the bus drivers' union.

FULL STORY: Finally Some Relief for Memphis Bus Riders

Wednesday, September 21, 2016 in Streetsblog USA

Transportation Tennessee Memphis Bus Service Bus Riders Union MATA Memphis Area Transit Authority View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.