The unions of two groups sometimes pitted against each other in seeking their agenda for the bus system in Memphis have joined together against a common foe: the management of the Memphis Area Transit Authority.
Micaela Watts reports that several streams of big transit news are coming together in Memphis. First came the news of a "partnership between the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 713 (the local bus drivers' union) and the Memphis Bus Riders Union (MBRU)," with both sides "eager that the union merger will erase the long-standing perception of blame-placing that pits the bus drivers against the bus riders."
And as fortune would have it, less than a week after the partnership was announced, came a funding announcement that did not go over well with the new allies: "Congressman Steve Cohen announced that $2.6 million in federal funds, secured through the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), would be allocated to fund three electric trolleys for downtown Memphis."
Cynthia Bailey, outreach coordinator for MBRU is quoted directly in the article explaining the MBRU's position about the funding: "When you put money [only] downtown where the trolleys are, you're forgetting about your citizens….You're forgetting about the people who need transportation to get to jobs and destinations." Local 713 is described as echoing those concerns.
The remainder of the article goes into more detail about the bad blood between the unions and the leadership of the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), with the additional layer of political intrigue added by the recent election of Mayor-elect Jim Strickland.
FULL STORY: Bus Riders’ Union and Bus Drivers’ Union Team Up
Multi-Car Owners May Pay Sustainability Fee to Fund Memphis Area Transit
Called a 'sustainability fee' by Mayor Lee Harris of Shelby County, the proposed fee would apply only to households that have three or more registered vehicles, about 17 percent of county residents. The first two vehicles would be exempt.
Memphis Planning for a Big Expansion of Transit Service
The city of Memphis is ready to expand its transit system, spending $30 million a year in annual operating cost to add 200,000 service hours to the Memphis Area Transit Authority system.
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.
Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.
The Unceremonious Death of a Freeway Expansion Project
The end of an Oregon freeway project didn't get much fanfare, but the victory is worth celebrating.
Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?
Kaua’i County Uses Long-Range Models to Mandate Resiliency Standards
The county requires builders to assess potential flood risks using models that account for sea level rise projected as far out as 2100.
California Governor Vetoes Autonomous Truck Ban
Gov. Newsom called the new law unnecessary, citing existing efforts by state regulators to develop new rules around autonomous trucking.
Low-Barrier Motel Shelter Is a Success—But Not an Easy One
Many guests at Motels4Now are on their second or third stays—but staff say that's doesn't equal failure, and the numbers bear that out.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
Lassen County Planning and Building Services
City of San Carlos
National Capital Planning Commission
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
