MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Citizens for Better Service and the Memphis Bus Riders Union are calling on Mayor Paul Young to provide a concrete timetable for critical changes at the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). The groups say the city needs answers on three key issues: the departure of operating trustee Rodrick Holmes, the first public meeting of the newly appointed board, and the hiring of a new MATA president with proven transit experience.

Mayor’s promise and current uncertainty

According to the advocates, Mayor Young told the public in September that Holmes would leave his post in November. However, no official announcement has been made, and the board that was appointed and confirmed in September has not yet convened to address the agency’s ongoing service problems.

Riders face daily hardships

Both groups highlighted the daily impact on commuters. “Bus riders cannot afford to wait any longer for a reliable bus service to their jobs, schools, and medical appointments,” said Cynthia Bailey, co‑chair of the Memphis Bus Riders Union. Riders continue to experience broken‑down buses, missed routes, and unreliable schedules, undermining access to essential services.

Recent performance rankings

In September, MATA was listed among the lowest‑ranked cities for transit service in a national survey, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The advocacy groups argue that decisive leadership and experienced management are essential to reverse this trend.

What the groups are asking for

• Confirmation of the exact date Rodrick Holmes will step down.
• A public notice of the first meeting of the newly formed MATA board.
• A timeline for hiring a new MATA president who brings transit‑industry expertise.

The groups stress that transparent communication from the mayor’s office will help restore confidence among riders and demonstrate a commitment to improving public transportation for Memphis families.

Mayor’s response

Mayor Young has not yet issued a detailed statement responding to the specific requests. The mayor’s office previously indicated that the transition plan would be shared once the board’s internal processes were finalized.

Why this matters to the community

Reliable public transit is a lifeline for many Memphis residents, especially those who rely on buses to reach workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities. Strengthening MATA’s leadership aligns with the community’s broader goals of supporting traditional families and ensuring individual liberty through accessible transportation.

As the city awaits clarification, transit advocates plan to continue pressing the mayor’s office and will monitor any forthcoming announcements closely.

Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.