There are 146 article(s) tagged Memphis Area Transit Authority:
A public comment session Monday at the Central Library drew several dozen people and plenty of reminders of the city's long-running debate about the bus system run by the Memphis Area Transit Authority. The corridor has almost all of the $74 million to build the Union and Poplar corridor that would start operations in 2024.
Planning and Development Director John Zeanah said on The Daily Memphian Politics Podcast that federal funding announced this week for the Downtown-University of Memphis corridor promises to change the image of public transit in the city.
Memphis Area Transit Authority will receive a $12 million federal grant for a rapid transit line from Downtown Memphis to the University of Memphis.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said on "Behind The Headlines" he would veto an attempt by the county to take a share of the revenue from a city sales tax hike approved by voters to restore fire and police benefits.
On The Daily Memphian Podcast, the Shelby County mayor said he's open to other ideas for a "$10 million-plus" commitment to MATA. He framed the call to action around broader changes in local issues as he outlined a start by funding more frequent trips on the eight most popular bus routes as soon as possible.
Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope will host its second public meeting on Sunday. Memphis candidates were invited to attend and MICAH task force leaders will provide updates on equity efforts.
A proposal by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris to fund Memphis Area Transit Authority improvements, largely through a $145 per vehicle sustainability fee, isn't popular with some bus riders.
On "Behind The Headlines," Gary Rosenfeld said a revenue source, possibly from a sales tax hike or gas tax hike, is needed to implement a two-year-old plan to increase the frequency of bus trips in the core city and to find ways to connect areas outside of the core.
Shelby County government officials will spend Monday afternoon fine-tuning the 2020 budget ahead of the July 1 beginning of the fiscal year.
The Shelby County Commission is considering 26 amendments to the 2019-2020 budget, including one that would provide county funds for MATA public transportation for the first time.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris says he wants to know county funding for the bus system will go to increasing ridership, and he also talks about whether Memphis Area Transit Authority should go to more frequent routes or broader coverage.
Mayor Lee Harris' $1.3 billion budget proposal includes funding for a new tech startup fund, raises for county employees and one of the county's largest investments in prekindergarten.
MATA riders want improved service, and officials hope its new transit plan can address their concerns. An additional $30 million in annual funding is needed to implement changes.
Mayor Lee Harris announced plans to present a MATA funding plan to the County Commission later this year.
Legalizing sports betting could ultimately mean more buses, more drivers, more frequent service, more routes and more shelters for waiting passengers in Memphis and Shelby County.