MATA riders’ pleas for better service met with piecemeal progress
People listen as Rodrick Holmes, the Memphis Area Transit Authority’s trustee, speaks during Saturday’s Transit Equity Day 2026 event held at the Orange Mound Community Center. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Allison Donald has cerebral palsy and must use crutches to walk, a condition that makes getting around the city a challenge.
Donald has to rely on public transit to get from her East Memphis home to her job in Midtown. Sometimes, it all works out as the Memphis Area Transit Authority vehicle arrives on time and gets her to work on time. Other days, she’s either late to work or can’t get there at all.
“Absolutely, it has affected (me),” Donald said. “I have experienced extremely late pickups. I have also experienced not being able to get a ride at all.”
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Memphis Area Transit Authority MATA Transit Equity Day public transportation Subscriber OnlyThank you for being a subscriber to The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
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Jody Callahan
Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.
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