Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Buses

Tourists Keep Their Trolleys While Memphis Bus Riders Face Devastating Cuts

11:58 AM EDT on March 31, 2016

Memphis bus riders protest potential service cuts. Photo: Memphis Bus Riders' Union
Memphis bus riders protest potential service cuts. Photo: Memphis Bus Riders' Union

Memphis's transit system is in crisis.

For a long time, the Memphis Area Transit Authority redirected funds intended for repairing buses and trolleys to instead pay drivers and buy gas. Now the jig is up. A handful of buses as well as two of the city's historic trolleys have actually caught fire in recent years.

According to MATA CEO Ron Garrison, the system is "on the verge of collapse."

Memphis' historic trolleys shut down two years ago after a number of fires. But lawmakers are working on a fix. Photo: Wikipedia
Memphis officials quickly came to the rescue of the city's historic trolleys, but haven't leapt to defend regular bus service. Photo: Wikipedia

The city's historic trolleys -- which mainly serve tourists in the downtown area -- were shut down two years ago after those fires. What followed was an all-hands-on-deck effort to restore trolley service, which is a "prize possession" of downtown developers, says Bennett Foster of the Memphis Bus Riders Union. Political leaders quickly pieced together $32 million in local, state, and federal funding to restore trolley service. Two replacement trolleys have been purchased.

But will local leaders come through for the people who rely on bus service to get to work and go about their day?

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland says that without an additional $7 million a year in operating funds from the city, plus $5 million to repair 11 buses, major cuts are coming. At the same time, the city is dealing with a number of other budget pressures, including as much as $10 million in additional annual spending for police pensions. Ultimately, the decision rests with City Council in upcoming budget negotiations.

If MATA's budget gap isn't closed, the agency will cut service 17 percent -- a devastating possibility for the riders who depend on it. People make about 30,000 daily trips on Memphis's transit system, which doesn't have much fat to be trimmed.

For those passengers, the bus is essential. According to a survey by the Bus Riders Union, 60 percent of riders make less than $18,000 a year, and almost all of them lack access to a car. The vast majority -- 90 percent -- are black.

The city's political class, however, doesn't seem too eager to address Memphis's transit problems, say Bus Riders Union members. "The City has its focus on downtown and gentrification to attract certain people, but what about those who need transportation to get to jobs or the grocery store?" said MBRU co-chair Cynthia Bailey in a statement. "Tourists come and go. What about the people who keep this city moving?"

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

To Help Save the Planet, Take the ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge

Former Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz is urging Americans to give up driving for seven days — and support policies to make it optional for everyone.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: NYC Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Friday’s Headlines Are Charged Up

Expect a lot fewer ordinary gas stations and a few more Buc-ee's in your area as the electric vehicle transition continues.

September 29, 2023

Commentary: Let’s Talk About the Real “Fatal Flaw” on Valencia

How many people have to die before professional advocates stop endorsing the Valencia Street "experiment" on people?

September 28, 2023

Talking Headways Podcast: Beyond Greenways

This week we’re joined by Bob Searns to talk about his new book and grand ideas for walking trails that circle whole regions and more local routes that make up a new mode of green infrastructure in cities.

September 28, 2023
See all posts