1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,000 [MUTED] 2 00:03:10,390 --> 00:03:12,390 It's raining. 3 00:03:13,910 --> 00:03:14,490 Hold on. 4 00:03:14,490 --> 00:03:16,490 [MUTED] 5 00:04:46,610 --> 00:04:48,810 We're going to call the Transportation Committee 6 00:04:48,810 --> 00:04:50,810 to order. 7 00:04:51,900 --> 00:04:52,540 Will you please call the roll. 8 00:04:52,540 --> 00:04:53,660 Thank you. 9 00:04:53,660 --> 00:04:54,960 Councilwoman Walker. 10 00:04:54,960 --> 00:04:55,460 Present. 11 00:04:55,460 --> 00:04:57,220 Councilwoman [INAUDIBLE] Washngton. 12 00:04:57,220 --> 00:04:57,920 Present. 13 00:04:57,920 --> 00:04:59,180 Chair Ford Senior. 14 00:04:59,180 --> 00:04:59,680 Present. 15 00:04:59,680 --> 00:05:00,340 Thank you. 16 00:05:00,340 --> 00:05:05,000 We have one item is an update from Madam. 17 00:05:05,000 --> 00:05:08,340 All council districts requested by myself. 18 00:05:08,340 --> 00:05:10,340 It 14. 19 00:05:11,540 --> 00:05:13,940 We have attorney Holmes. 20 00:05:14,720 --> 00:05:18,520 I'm going to turn it over to you, and we can go from there. 21 00:05:18,520 --> 00:05:19,460 Thank you. 22 00:05:19,460 --> 00:05:21,700 Thank you, Councilman Ford. 23 00:05:21,700 --> 00:05:22,920 My name is Roderick Holmes. 24 00:05:22,920 --> 00:05:25,300 I am the operational trustee for MATA. 25 00:05:25,300 --> 00:05:27,780 I'm joined by trustee art Davis, who 26 00:05:27,780 --> 00:05:32,540 is the financial and fiscal trustee for MATA. 27 00:05:32,540 --> 00:05:34,220 Good afternoon. 28 00:05:34,220 --> 00:05:38,140 We'd like to do today is provide an update regarding the progress 29 00:05:38,140 --> 00:05:40,420 and also the future plans for MATA 30 00:05:40,420 --> 00:05:43,860 to provide our citizens with reliable services. 31 00:05:43,860 --> 00:05:47,140 Let's go to the next slide, please. 32 00:05:47,140 --> 00:05:49,100 You see, in front of you are the buses that 33 00:05:49,100 --> 00:05:54,700 have recently come in that were put into service next week. 34 00:05:54,700 --> 00:05:57,700 These buses were ordered approximately nine months ago. 35 00:05:57,700 --> 00:06:00,510 It takes some time to have those built manufactured. 36 00:06:00,510 --> 00:06:03,110 Appreciative of our manufacturing partners 37 00:06:03,110 --> 00:06:06,470 for putting us in line to get these buses. 38 00:06:06,470 --> 00:06:11,270 And these will be going out next week. 39 00:06:13,910 --> 00:06:15,630 All right. 40 00:06:15,630 --> 00:06:17,110 The buses that you see are part of 41 00:06:17,110 --> 00:06:19,510 our fleet revitalization plan. 42 00:06:19,710 --> 00:06:22,700 That plan is simple and that's to give 43 00:06:22,700 --> 00:06:24,100 a reasonable and reliable service. 44 00:06:24,100 --> 00:06:28,110 One of the key components to that are reliable buses. 45 00:06:28,110 --> 00:06:32,755 As it's been some time since [? MATAs ?] ordered new buses. 46 00:06:32,755 --> 00:06:35,130 When we took the Helms, we thought this was our priority. 47 00:06:35,130 --> 00:06:36,910 We knew it was our priority in order 48 00:06:36,910 --> 00:06:39,553 to be able to provide reliable service. 49 00:06:39,553 --> 00:06:41,470 We also knew that the manufacturing time would 50 00:06:41,470 --> 00:06:43,270 be at least 8 to nine months. 51 00:06:43,270 --> 00:06:46,950 So what we've done starting last year is to place those orders 52 00:06:46,950 --> 00:06:49,680 and work with this council and Mayor Young's office 53 00:06:49,680 --> 00:06:52,800 to ensure that we had appropriate and adequate funds 54 00:06:52,800 --> 00:06:54,440 to complete these purchases. 55 00:06:54,440 --> 00:06:57,120 Over the last nine months, with the assistance 56 00:06:57,120 --> 00:07:00,240 of our incredible grants and finance team, 57 00:07:00,240 --> 00:07:04,160 along with our operational team, planning and logistics, 58 00:07:04,160 --> 00:07:08,320 we've secured about $48 million between federal and city 59 00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:10,697 and state funds to do just that. 60 00:07:10,697 --> 00:07:12,280 But we're going to do with those funds 61 00:07:12,280 --> 00:07:16,600 that we've been able to secure his replace our working fleet. 62 00:07:16,600 --> 00:07:21,400 It takes approximately 51 buses to run our 23 routes, 63 00:07:21,620 --> 00:07:24,560 and our goal is to purchase 56 buses in total 64 00:07:24,560 --> 00:07:26,200 over the next 12 months. 65 00:07:26,200 --> 00:07:28,400 As you can see from the slide, we 66 00:07:28,400 --> 00:07:30,540 have 12 that have already been delivered. 67 00:07:30,540 --> 00:07:32,760 There are another 12 that are slated to be 68 00:07:32,760 --> 00:07:35,760 delivered in the fall of 2027. 69 00:07:36,400 --> 00:07:38,640 But just over the last two weeks, 70 00:07:38,640 --> 00:07:41,500 through series of negotiations over the last few months, 71 00:07:41,500 --> 00:07:43,800 we've been able to get an allocation 72 00:07:43,800 --> 00:07:46,810 for 32 additional buses, which will be here 73 00:07:46,810 --> 00:07:50,410 in either the spring or early summer of 2027. 74 00:07:50,410 --> 00:07:54,450 Again, this will completely replace our working fleet 75 00:07:54,450 --> 00:07:56,590 because you need about 51 buses. 76 00:07:56,590 --> 00:07:58,450 But this will overall do is get us 77 00:07:58,450 --> 00:08:02,500 past that threshold number of 71 buses, 75 78 00:08:02,130 --> 00:08:05,670 buses for our working fleet that will allow us to expand, 79 00:08:05,670 --> 00:08:09,270 add additional buses to each route and start to first time. 80 00:08:09,270 --> 00:08:13,470 Consider adding additional routes to our service. 81 00:08:14,370 --> 00:08:17,410 You can go to next slide, please. 82 00:08:17,410 --> 00:08:18,850 In the meantime, what are we doing 83 00:08:18,850 --> 00:08:22,290 to try to provide the best on time performance as we can. 84 00:08:22,290 --> 00:08:26,370 I'll remind everyone that our current buses, nearly 50% 85 00:08:26,370 --> 00:08:28,750 of them are past their useful life. 86 00:08:28,750 --> 00:08:31,550 That means they have more than a half a million miles on them. 87 00:08:31,550 --> 00:08:33,890 So what it requires is our maintenance team 88 00:08:33,890 --> 00:08:36,490 to work tirelessly to have better preventive maintenance 89 00:08:36,490 --> 00:08:38,895 plans, to make sure that our inspections are being done 90 00:08:38,895 --> 00:08:40,770 correctly, and they've done an incredible job 91 00:08:40,770 --> 00:08:44,100 of that to get those buses out. 92 00:08:44,100 --> 00:08:45,720 That is their efforts. 93 00:08:45,720 --> 00:08:49,700 Their work has allowed us to maintain on time performance 94 00:08:49,700 --> 00:08:52,475 and to see some growth with various routes. 95 00:08:52,475 --> 00:08:54,100 So I want to thank our maintenance team 96 00:08:54,100 --> 00:08:56,100 for their hard work and the impact they're 97 00:08:56,100 --> 00:09:01,380 having on our service, despite the challenges that face them. 98 00:09:01,380 --> 00:09:03,380 Next slide. 99 00:09:03,820 --> 00:09:07,300 On time performance for the month of July was 60% 100 00:09:07,300 --> 00:09:09,280 the peak on time performance. 101 00:09:09,280 --> 00:09:10,920 What that means is what's our best day? 102 00:09:10,920 --> 00:09:13,620 What is the bandwidth of our services? 103 00:09:13,620 --> 00:09:15,420 Was 71%. 104 00:09:15,420 --> 00:09:17,900 That is a day where our team did an incredible job 105 00:09:17,900 --> 00:09:20,420 in getting those buses from point A to point B, 106 00:09:20,420 --> 00:09:22,820 giving the buses that they're working with, 107 00:09:22,820 --> 00:09:25,620 giving the state of our current fleet. 108 00:09:25,620 --> 00:09:28,860 You also see some other numbers there regarding the highest 109 00:09:28,860 --> 00:09:31,275 on time performance by route. 110 00:09:31,275 --> 00:09:32,900 The easiest one for people to recognize 111 00:09:32,900 --> 00:09:35,420 is route 50, which the highest performance for that week 112 00:09:35,420 --> 00:09:39,200 was 64% route 42 was 66% and route 52 was 75% 25%. 113 00:09:41,700 --> 00:09:43,150 So again, what those numbers show 114 00:09:43,150 --> 00:09:47,473 is the capacity and the room for growth within our organization 115 00:09:47,473 --> 00:09:48,890 and how when things come together, 116 00:09:48,890 --> 00:09:52,670 we see this upward trend on time performance. 117 00:09:52,670 --> 00:09:54,670 Next slide. 118 00:09:56,590 --> 00:09:59,870 We are engaging on an ambitious goal of refurbishing 119 00:09:59,870 --> 00:10:01,710 some of our fleet. 120 00:10:01,710 --> 00:10:05,350 Our goal is to refurbish approximately 15 of our buses 121 00:10:05,350 --> 00:10:08,700 and to have that done by the fourth quarter. 122 00:10:08,700 --> 00:10:09,990 And what we're going to do with those buses 123 00:10:09,990 --> 00:10:11,948 is that we're going to place them on the routes 124 00:10:11,948 --> 00:10:12,810 that you see above. 125 00:10:12,810 --> 00:10:13,990 This is the plan. 126 00:10:13,990 --> 00:10:17,590 What that will do is reduce the wait time for buses. 127 00:10:17,590 --> 00:10:19,750 This will be a significant improvement and one 128 00:10:19,750 --> 00:10:22,910 that I know that will be welcomed by our riders. 129 00:10:22,910 --> 00:10:25,390 So while we have a plan for the future bringing 130 00:10:25,390 --> 00:10:28,170 in buses over the next 9 and 12 months, 131 00:10:28,170 --> 00:10:30,515 we recognize that there's a present goal need, 132 00:10:30,515 --> 00:10:32,890 and we want to make sure that we're addressing that need. 133 00:10:32,890 --> 00:10:35,190 And we're going to address that need by continuing 134 00:10:35,190 --> 00:10:37,590 to refurbish our buses. 135 00:10:38,910 --> 00:10:40,850 Next slide. 136 00:10:40,850 --> 00:10:42,690 All right so this is the trolleys. 137 00:10:42,690 --> 00:10:45,900 Everybody's excited about them. 138 00:10:47,810 --> 00:10:50,830 If you have been on Instagram or TikTok or any of those things, 139 00:10:50,830 --> 00:10:53,130 you've probably seen videos or clips 140 00:10:53,130 --> 00:10:55,500 from our trolley service which you 141 00:10:55,500 --> 00:10:57,210 see in this video is our safety test we were 142 00:10:57,210 --> 00:10:58,970 doing for our braking system. 143 00:10:58,970 --> 00:11:01,650 I am happy to announce that our trolley team has done 144 00:11:01,650 --> 00:11:04,690 an excellent job and that we were able to pass this braking 145 00:11:04,690 --> 00:11:08,570 system test, which was a huge step in getting 146 00:11:08,570 --> 00:11:10,300 these trolleys back out. 147 00:11:10,300 --> 00:11:11,875 We are currently doing additional testing 148 00:11:11,875 --> 00:11:14,250 because we want to make sure that when these trolleys get 149 00:11:14,250 --> 00:11:17,890 back out on the line, they are safe and they are reliable. 150 00:11:17,890 --> 00:11:19,530 So we're doing some system integration 151 00:11:19,530 --> 00:11:22,410 testing literally as we speak. 152 00:11:22,410 --> 00:11:25,970 We've also submitted to 180 day notice to t-dot. 153 00:11:25,970 --> 00:11:28,330 That has been submitted to them should 154 00:11:28,330 --> 00:11:31,450 allow for us to return these trolleys to the track 155 00:11:31,450 --> 00:11:33,570 in the fall of 2026. 156 00:11:33,570 --> 00:11:35,430 There's still work to be done along this. 157 00:11:35,430 --> 00:11:37,550 There's still work to be done by our trolley team, 158 00:11:37,550 --> 00:11:40,180 but we wanted to report that we are certainly 159 00:11:40,180 --> 00:11:42,300 moving in the right direction. 160 00:11:42,300 --> 00:11:44,300 Next slide. 161 00:11:45,620 --> 00:11:48,180 One of the promises we made when we started this journey nine 162 00:11:48,180 --> 00:11:50,460 months ago is that we would improve shelters 163 00:11:50,460 --> 00:11:53,200 and that we would improve signage. 164 00:11:53,200 --> 00:11:54,580 On the shelters, what we've done is 165 00:11:54,580 --> 00:11:57,660 we've created a QR code where individuals can tell us 166 00:11:57,660 --> 00:12:00,580 where they want to see shelters, where they believe a need is 167 00:12:00,580 --> 00:12:02,460 allowing for our community partners 168 00:12:02,460 --> 00:12:05,220 and for our riders to have input. 169 00:12:05,220 --> 00:12:07,420 People have responded to this, and based 170 00:12:07,420 --> 00:12:10,600 on that response, those responses based 171 00:12:10,600 --> 00:12:14,300 on some legal requirements, we have installed 16 shelters 172 00:12:14,300 --> 00:12:15,920 to date, which is significant. 173 00:12:15,920 --> 00:12:19,380 It's more shelters than problems installed in years. 174 00:12:19,380 --> 00:12:21,860 We also have two that are in progress, 175 00:12:21,860 --> 00:12:25,980 and our goal is to do about two to three a month. 176 00:12:25,980 --> 00:12:28,820 We want to do this throughout our system. 177 00:12:28,820 --> 00:12:31,940 We are exploring opportunities with our corporate partners 178 00:12:31,940 --> 00:12:34,200 to offset some of these costs. 179 00:12:34,200 --> 00:12:36,410 We've gotten really good feedback on that. 180 00:12:36,410 --> 00:12:39,730 And we recognize again, as a community, as a company, 181 00:12:39,730 --> 00:12:43,710 the shelters are important, and so we've made them a priority. 182 00:12:43,710 --> 00:12:45,150 Next slide. 183 00:12:45,150 --> 00:12:47,850 We don't want to simply stop with improving shelters. 184 00:12:47,850 --> 00:12:50,550 We also recognize that signage. 185 00:12:50,550 --> 00:12:53,110 We set out an ambitious goal some time ago 186 00:12:53,110 --> 00:12:55,900 to do about 100 signs. 187 00:12:55,900 --> 00:12:57,490 In March, we did 120. 188 00:12:57,688 --> 00:12:59,230 And through that process, we realized 189 00:12:59,230 --> 00:13:01,210 that not only did we need to replace signs, 190 00:13:01,210 --> 00:13:03,790 but we needed to look at making our signs more helpful, more 191 00:13:03,790 --> 00:13:04,830 useful. 192 00:13:04,830 --> 00:13:08,110 So our communications team, along with our compliance 193 00:13:08,110 --> 00:13:11,750 team and other partners within our company, 194 00:13:11,750 --> 00:13:14,230 worked tirelessly and created the sign 195 00:13:14,230 --> 00:13:16,630 that you see in front of you. 196 00:13:16,630 --> 00:13:20,230 That sign is clearly an upgrade from what we did before. 197 00:13:20,230 --> 00:13:21,290 It's useful. 198 00:13:21,290 --> 00:13:24,610 It tells you which route will be at that stop. 199 00:13:24,610 --> 00:13:25,770 It gives you a QR code. 200 00:13:25,770 --> 00:13:27,670 It gives you the number. 201 00:13:27,670 --> 00:13:29,670 They've done an excellent job. 202 00:13:29,670 --> 00:13:31,170 I'd be remiss if I didn't say that. 203 00:13:31,170 --> 00:13:34,280 We've also met with our community partners, some of whom 204 00:13:34,280 --> 00:13:37,240 are here today, to help us in designing this sign 205 00:13:37,240 --> 00:13:39,400 and thinking through this process. 206 00:13:39,400 --> 00:13:43,440 So I want to thank them for meeting with us. 207 00:13:43,440 --> 00:13:46,360 Micah, for being part of the solution. 208 00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:49,600 We meet monthly now and those meetings have gone really well. 209 00:13:49,600 --> 00:13:50,600 So I appreciate their efforts. 210 00:13:50,600 --> 00:13:52,600 Next slide, please. 211 00:13:53,640 --> 00:13:56,380 To me this is really the highlight of MATA. 212 00:13:56,380 --> 00:13:59,740 And quite frankly it doesn't get enough coverage. 213 00:13:59,740 --> 00:14:01,340 It doesn't get enough attention. 214 00:14:01,340 --> 00:14:04,340 But MATA provides significant services 215 00:14:04,880 --> 00:14:09,160 to in many cases, our aging and disabled population. 216 00:14:09,160 --> 00:14:13,000 As you can see, we have a 96% on time performance rate. 217 00:14:13,000 --> 00:14:15,000 Customer satisfaction is 4.7. 218 00:14:15,680 --> 00:14:17,640 Individuals can literally book rides 219 00:14:17,640 --> 00:14:21,540 through MATA plus online using our app. 220 00:14:21,540 --> 00:14:23,960 That is very useful and user friendly. 221 00:14:23,960 --> 00:14:25,180 We believe in this service. 222 00:14:25,180 --> 00:14:26,360 We want to make sure that we continue 223 00:14:26,360 --> 00:14:28,652 to get people to doctor's appointments and other needed 224 00:14:28,652 --> 00:14:29,480 services. 225 00:14:29,480 --> 00:14:32,770 So we are in the process of procuring an additional 24 226 00:14:32,770 --> 00:14:35,330 vans to help provide that service, 227 00:14:35,330 --> 00:14:37,730 to provide-- to help with some constraints, capacity 228 00:14:37,730 --> 00:14:40,850 constraints, and to make sure that any of our citizens 229 00:14:40,850 --> 00:14:44,890 who meet the qualifications for this program can use it. 230 00:14:44,890 --> 00:14:47,330 So this is our team has done a great job 231 00:14:47,330 --> 00:14:51,530 and I appreciate their work and efforts. 232 00:14:52,250 --> 00:14:55,370 And the thought of planning for the future. 233 00:14:55,370 --> 00:14:59,290 This is our version of Uber & Lyft Groove & Ready. 234 00:14:59,290 --> 00:15:02,410 These are micro-transit services that we 235 00:15:02,410 --> 00:15:06,370 are looking or evaluating expanding both in North Memphis 236 00:15:06,370 --> 00:15:08,770 and in South Memphis. 237 00:15:09,210 --> 00:15:11,530 As you can see, these services will help get people 238 00:15:11,530 --> 00:15:14,690 to jobs and other locations that they need 239 00:15:14,690 --> 00:15:16,970 to go to within these zones. 240 00:15:16,970 --> 00:15:19,370 We are hopeful that these will be evaluated 241 00:15:19,370 --> 00:15:21,610 over the next month, and then rolled out 242 00:15:21,610 --> 00:15:23,610 during the fourth quarter. 243 00:15:23,610 --> 00:15:26,570 The cost for ready is actually free. 244 00:15:26,570 --> 00:15:29,780 It was free before free fair and it continues to be free. 245 00:15:29,780 --> 00:15:32,180 And Groove is approximately $1.25. 246 00:15:32,580 --> 00:15:34,820 It's a very affordable services that we 247 00:15:34,820 --> 00:15:37,220 want to expand to make sure that our riders 248 00:15:37,220 --> 00:15:39,620 have options when they're trying to determine the best 249 00:15:39,620 --> 00:15:42,180 way to travel within our city. 250 00:15:42,180 --> 00:15:44,180 Next slide, please. 251 00:15:44,900 --> 00:15:47,680 We talked a little bit about this during our last meeting. 252 00:15:47,680 --> 00:15:50,460 The need to hire additional employees, 253 00:15:50,460 --> 00:15:54,600 hire additional operators to be competitive within the Memphis 254 00:15:54,600 --> 00:15:55,360 recruiting market. 255 00:15:55,360 --> 00:15:56,420 We've done just that. 256 00:15:56,420 --> 00:16:00,780 Out of the total operators, we need to effectively run 257 00:16:00,780 --> 00:16:02,780 our services 155. 258 00:16:02,940 --> 00:16:07,180 We've hired 88% of those, which is about 134 employees. 259 00:16:07,180 --> 00:16:08,400 So we're on the right path. 260 00:16:08,400 --> 00:16:11,820 We're doing hiring blitzes every Wednesday. 261 00:16:11,820 --> 00:16:13,820 So if you're interested in working for MATA, 262 00:16:13,820 --> 00:16:16,380 looking for a job, we're hiring. 263 00:16:16,380 --> 00:16:19,200 Those hiring blitzes are held at our Levy facility. 264 00:16:19,200 --> 00:16:21,940 And you can also apply online. 265 00:16:21,940 --> 00:16:23,940 Next slide. 266 00:16:24,100 --> 00:16:26,443 One of the things that's always important, always 267 00:16:26,443 --> 00:16:28,110 at the front of our minds is making sure 268 00:16:28,110 --> 00:16:31,750 that our riders, our passengers, are safe. 269 00:16:31,750 --> 00:16:34,590 Over the last nine months, we've met with multiple community 270 00:16:34,590 --> 00:16:36,590 activists, operators, riders. 271 00:16:37,410 --> 00:16:38,370 I've done it myself. 272 00:16:38,370 --> 00:16:41,330 I often go down to Hudson and other locations. 273 00:16:41,330 --> 00:16:43,330 And one of the concerns was safety. 274 00:16:43,330 --> 00:16:45,650 And how can we help make those areas safer. 275 00:16:45,650 --> 00:16:47,630 So we've done just that. 276 00:16:47,630 --> 00:16:51,830 Our safety team, led by Chief Watson, 277 00:16:53,300 --> 00:16:55,430 has instituted 129 route checks. 278 00:16:56,510 --> 00:16:59,700 So basically random searches of buses 279 00:16:59,700 --> 00:17:01,730 to make sure that not only our operators are safe, 280 00:17:01,730 --> 00:17:04,310 but also our riders or passengers are safe. 281 00:17:04,310 --> 00:17:07,910 We also now have allocated resources 282 00:17:07,990 --> 00:17:11,589 to have safety specialists at Hudson full time 283 00:17:11,589 --> 00:17:12,567 throughout the day. 284 00:17:12,567 --> 00:17:14,109 So if individuals have concerns, they 285 00:17:14,109 --> 00:17:16,470 can raise those concerns to them. 286 00:17:16,470 --> 00:17:18,650 We're hiring again in this location. 287 00:17:18,650 --> 00:17:20,970 We're hiring for safety specialists. 288 00:17:20,970 --> 00:17:23,750 So anyone's interested, please go online and apply. 289 00:17:23,750 --> 00:17:25,750 Next slide. 290 00:17:25,920 --> 00:17:26,420 All right. 291 00:17:26,420 --> 00:17:29,820 So this part of to many people has little to do with transit. 292 00:17:29,820 --> 00:17:31,500 But to me, it everything to do with it. 293 00:17:31,500 --> 00:17:33,340 Our job is to serve. 294 00:17:33,340 --> 00:17:36,440 And I think we can serve in multiple ways. 295 00:17:36,440 --> 00:17:37,680 At Hudson, we have space. 296 00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:39,320 At other areas, we have space. 297 00:17:39,320 --> 00:17:41,840 We recognize one Thursday, myself 298 00:17:41,840 --> 00:17:46,400 and the communications lead, Ms. Hartley, that children were just 299 00:17:46,400 --> 00:17:46,780 sitting around. 300 00:17:46,780 --> 00:17:48,377 They didn't have anything to do. 301 00:17:48,377 --> 00:17:49,960 So working with our community partners 302 00:17:49,960 --> 00:17:53,800 that you see up here, urban child Institute and others, 303 00:17:53,800 --> 00:17:55,840 we've created these pinwheel playrooms. 304 00:17:55,840 --> 00:17:59,320 We give out about 160 books per month. 305 00:17:59,320 --> 00:18:00,580 I think that's fundamental. 306 00:18:00,580 --> 00:18:03,800 I think it's a great way for us to serve outside 307 00:18:03,800 --> 00:18:04,500 of just providing rides. 308 00:18:04,500 --> 00:18:06,960 So I appreciate our community partners and everybody 309 00:18:06,960 --> 00:18:09,000 internally at MATA who's participated 310 00:18:09,000 --> 00:18:11,960 and helped us make this dream a reality of helping children 311 00:18:11,960 --> 00:18:14,000 have access to reading. 312 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:16,000 Next slide. 313 00:18:16,440 --> 00:18:17,600 All right. 314 00:18:17,600 --> 00:18:20,480 So how are we measuring success moving forward-- 315 00:18:20,480 --> 00:18:23,480 developing and retaining our workforce. 316 00:18:23,720 --> 00:18:26,720 Our workforce is at the core of the services that we provide. 317 00:18:26,720 --> 00:18:29,460 So we're investing in them, developing them 318 00:18:29,460 --> 00:18:32,500 and providing them with opportunities to excel and grow 319 00:18:32,500 --> 00:18:34,600 within their job. 320 00:18:34,600 --> 00:18:36,660 The second bullet point is self-explanatory. 321 00:18:36,660 --> 00:18:40,220 We have to do a better job of delivering reliable services. 322 00:18:40,220 --> 00:18:41,520 Our mission isn't done. 323 00:18:41,520 --> 00:18:42,920 Our job isn't finished. 324 00:18:42,920 --> 00:18:46,380 We recognize there is room to grow. 325 00:18:46,380 --> 00:18:48,160 That's why we're ordering more buses. 326 00:18:48,160 --> 00:18:50,380 That's why we're training more people. 327 00:18:50,380 --> 00:18:53,380 We recognize the need to improve, 328 00:18:53,380 --> 00:18:56,820 and we are taking steps every single day 329 00:18:56,820 --> 00:18:59,220 to resolve that issue. 330 00:18:59,580 --> 00:19:01,400 The next one is customer service. 331 00:19:01,400 --> 00:19:03,740 We've invested in our customer service team. 332 00:19:03,740 --> 00:19:07,100 We recognize that there's more investment that needs to happen. 333 00:19:07,100 --> 00:19:08,800 We've expanded that team. 334 00:19:08,800 --> 00:19:10,460 We're also working with some AI tools 335 00:19:10,460 --> 00:19:12,660 to help enhance the information they have 336 00:19:12,660 --> 00:19:17,460 and the information that's available to our consumers. 337 00:19:17,460 --> 00:19:19,460 Next slide, please. 338 00:19:19,460 --> 00:19:22,310 I want to thank this council for your continued investment 339 00:19:22,310 --> 00:19:26,110 in transit, for the calls, for the effort that you all 340 00:19:26,110 --> 00:19:28,430 have put into this system. 341 00:19:28,430 --> 00:19:30,530 I'd like to thank our mayor, and I'd 342 00:19:30,530 --> 00:19:31,470 like to thank all of our community 343 00:19:31,470 --> 00:19:33,550 advocates and our operators. 344 00:19:33,550 --> 00:19:36,370 Please continue to tell us where we can be better. 345 00:19:36,370 --> 00:19:41,330 Continue to use the QR code and our customer complaint lines. 346 00:19:41,330 --> 00:19:43,210 We review that information. 347 00:19:43,210 --> 00:19:46,300 We use it as surveys so we know what we're doing well 348 00:19:46,300 --> 00:19:47,550 and where we need to improve. 349 00:19:47,550 --> 00:19:49,410 And finally, but certainly not least, 350 00:19:49,410 --> 00:19:52,470 I'd like to thank the team who's working tirelessly 351 00:19:52,470 --> 00:19:54,510 to make this service better. 352 00:19:54,510 --> 00:19:56,570 I see you, the community sees you, 353 00:19:56,570 --> 00:19:57,890 and we appreciate your effort. 354 00:19:57,890 --> 00:19:59,890 Thank you. 355 00:20:01,310 --> 00:20:03,270 Thank you, Attorney Holmes. 356 00:20:03,270 --> 00:20:07,300 Let the record show that Councilman Warren, Councilwoman 357 00:20:07,300 --> 00:20:10,630 Cooper Sutton, Councilman Kennelly, Councilman Spinosa 358 00:20:11,700 --> 00:20:13,700 has joined us. 359 00:20:14,350 --> 00:20:16,350 We have one-- 360 00:20:16,550 --> 00:20:19,430 Councilwoman Cooper Sutton you want to speak. 361 00:20:19,430 --> 00:20:20,760 Thank you, Chairman. 362 00:20:20,760 --> 00:20:23,280 First of all, I would like to say thank you, 363 00:20:23,280 --> 00:20:27,323 Attorney Holmes Frederick, for being very consistent. 364 00:20:27,323 --> 00:20:28,740 First of all, being compassionate. 365 00:20:28,740 --> 00:20:34,140 You walked into a chaotic, mess for over decades, 366 00:20:36,160 --> 00:20:39,560 and I know that it's going to take some time. 367 00:20:39,560 --> 00:20:44,500 And so those of them that is wanting a miracle, 368 00:20:44,500 --> 00:20:46,640 I believe in miracles happening. 369 00:20:46,640 --> 00:20:49,560 But this has been going on for decades. 370 00:20:49,560 --> 00:20:52,520 I heard you say something, and it raised my eyebrows 371 00:20:52,520 --> 00:20:55,780 a little bit, that you are in constant contact with Micah. 372 00:20:55,780 --> 00:20:58,680 You all are meeting on a monthly basis, is that correct? 373 00:20:58,680 --> 00:20:59,920 Are you all talking? 374 00:20:59,920 --> 00:21:00,420 We have. 375 00:21:00,420 --> 00:21:02,980 So for the last few months, we've met pretty regularly. 376 00:21:02,980 --> 00:21:04,897 When I first started, we met pretty regularly. 377 00:21:04,897 --> 00:21:07,660 There was a little gap in there, but we do have monthly meetings. 378 00:21:07,660 --> 00:21:09,560 We started those back and they've 379 00:21:09,560 --> 00:21:10,840 been good community partners. 380 00:21:10,840 --> 00:21:13,802 OK, because they sent us a few questions. 381 00:21:13,802 --> 00:21:15,760 And I think that you've covered those questions 382 00:21:15,760 --> 00:21:17,360 in your presentation. 383 00:21:17,360 --> 00:21:19,350 I didn't hear much about the financial part, 384 00:21:19,350 --> 00:21:22,633 and I don't think that's probably where we probably 385 00:21:22,633 --> 00:21:23,550 need to talk about it. 386 00:21:23,550 --> 00:21:25,730 I think we need to leave that to your financial 387 00:21:25,730 --> 00:21:26,910 what do you call it? 388 00:21:26,910 --> 00:21:29,750 So Mr. Davis is our fiscal your physical trustee. 389 00:21:29,750 --> 00:21:31,510 It's just appointed a couple of weeks ago. 390 00:21:31,510 --> 00:21:32,885 So we want to give him some time. 391 00:21:32,885 --> 00:21:34,490 Give him some time. 392 00:21:34,490 --> 00:21:37,700 That is my next suggestion. 393 00:21:37,700 --> 00:21:39,410 I want to give you some time to get in there 394 00:21:39,410 --> 00:21:42,790 and to see where we are and everything, 395 00:21:42,790 --> 00:21:44,270 but I just wanted to say thank you. 396 00:21:44,270 --> 00:21:48,100 Your partnership to hear that your partnership is with Mica 397 00:21:48,100 --> 00:21:51,530 is good, and I'm glad that it's open and you all are talking. 398 00:21:51,530 --> 00:21:54,900 I'm trying to get a solution done 399 00:21:54,900 --> 00:21:56,950 and trying to get something resolved. 400 00:21:56,950 --> 00:22:01,290 But this is not-- when I hear and when I see, 401 00:22:01,290 --> 00:22:04,320 you have done a tremendous job because at first we 402 00:22:04,320 --> 00:22:05,990 were in the blind, and we didn't know anything. 403 00:22:05,990 --> 00:22:09,490 So we thank you for all the hard work that you're doing 404 00:22:09,490 --> 00:22:13,900 and for being transparent with us, 405 00:22:13,610 --> 00:22:17,140 because I don't think that would have even known 406 00:22:17,140 --> 00:22:18,660 half of the stuff that was going on 407 00:22:18,660 --> 00:22:21,997 that you've revealed in all the work that is now coming there. 408 00:22:21,997 --> 00:22:24,800 There are some questions on here about some buses, 409 00:22:24,800 --> 00:22:27,000 and I think that you've already responded to that. 410 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:29,600 You've already answered that they wanted 411 00:22:29,600 --> 00:22:31,200 to how many buses were coming. 412 00:22:31,200 --> 00:22:32,560 And we're working on that. 413 00:22:32,560 --> 00:22:35,300 You got buses in and some more buses to come. 414 00:22:35,300 --> 00:22:37,580 So I just wanted to say thank you. 415 00:22:37,580 --> 00:22:40,540 Thank Micah and your partnership for collaborating 416 00:22:40,540 --> 00:22:42,700 because they're the community voice. 417 00:22:42,700 --> 00:22:47,180 And hopefully one day, whether I'm here or not, 418 00:22:47,180 --> 00:22:50,380 that we will have an amazing transit system 419 00:22:50,380 --> 00:22:56,300 and it will not be just labeled as a poor man's transportation, 420 00:22:56,300 --> 00:23:00,200 that everyone in this city where I come from and where I've been 421 00:23:00,200 --> 00:23:02,400 and where I've lived in many other places, 422 00:23:02,400 --> 00:23:06,460 that transit was everyone in the city's means of transportation. 423 00:23:06,460 --> 00:23:11,480 So that's my prayer and my hope to see one day here in Memphis. 424 00:23:11,480 --> 00:23:13,620 So thank you again and your team. 425 00:23:13,620 --> 00:23:15,620 Thank you. 426 00:23:17,910 --> 00:23:19,110 Thank you, Chair. 427 00:23:19,110 --> 00:23:20,190 You're welcome. 428 00:23:20,190 --> 00:23:23,300 Anyone else want to speak? 429 00:23:23,300 --> 00:23:26,710 If I may take just a moment, I know 430 00:23:26,710 --> 00:23:29,510 that the schedule is tight, but just 431 00:23:29,510 --> 00:23:32,710 a quick update on what we've done from a financial standpoint 432 00:23:32,710 --> 00:23:33,910 already. 433 00:23:33,910 --> 00:23:36,910 We have implemented controls for review processes 434 00:23:36,910 --> 00:23:39,230 as well as sign offs. 435 00:23:39,230 --> 00:23:44,430 We have had meetings in person to discuss not only the cash 436 00:23:44,430 --> 00:23:47,300 flow, but the budgeting process as well. 437 00:23:47,300 --> 00:23:50,290 So although everyone knows it's been two weeks, 438 00:23:50,290 --> 00:23:52,750 we hit the ground running. 439 00:23:52,750 --> 00:23:57,550 I take this responsibility as a great opportunity 440 00:23:58,110 --> 00:24:02,830 to help improve MATA and the transportation system, 441 00:24:02,830 --> 00:24:06,370 and I'm very excited about being able to do that. 442 00:24:06,370 --> 00:24:08,390 And like I said, we hit the ground running 443 00:24:08,390 --> 00:24:12,880 and would not expect there to be any slowdown. 444 00:24:12,880 --> 00:24:14,880 Thank you. 445 00:24:16,800 --> 00:24:17,440 Yeah. 446 00:24:17,440 --> 00:24:18,400 Go right ahead. 447 00:24:18,400 --> 00:24:18,900 Yes, sir. 448 00:24:18,900 --> 00:24:22,000 I just wanted to how long will the fares be free. 449 00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:24,400 And is it indefinitely? 450 00:24:25,373 --> 00:24:26,540 Yeah, it's a great question. 451 00:24:26,540 --> 00:24:29,240 I think that the fares are free today. 452 00:24:29,240 --> 00:24:32,600 We continue to evaluate it, and I am hopeful over the next 45 453 00:24:32,600 --> 00:24:34,100 days to reach that decision. 454 00:24:34,100 --> 00:24:36,360 I will tell you that the early numbers for our fares 455 00:24:36,360 --> 00:24:37,720 have been great. 456 00:24:37,720 --> 00:24:40,965 Ridership is up anywhere from 26% to 30%. 457 00:24:40,965 --> 00:24:42,840 We recognize that there's some things that we 458 00:24:42,840 --> 00:24:44,920 need to look at improve. 459 00:24:44,920 --> 00:24:46,840 We're looking at some social workers 460 00:24:46,840 --> 00:24:49,600 to bring on board to help with some of those issues related 461 00:24:49,600 --> 00:24:52,540 to unhoused individuals and other things, 462 00:24:52,540 --> 00:24:55,640 but overall, it's been an incredible impact. 463 00:24:55,640 --> 00:24:59,920 We've put over $1.8 million back into the community 464 00:24:59,920 --> 00:25:01,560 by providing this service. 465 00:25:01,560 --> 00:25:04,800 So I think it's been a positive for our community 466 00:25:04,800 --> 00:25:05,360 overwhelmingly. 467 00:25:05,360 --> 00:25:07,382 Are you able to do that because of a grant? 468 00:25:07,382 --> 00:25:08,340 How are you able to do? 469 00:25:08,340 --> 00:25:10,465 Well, what happens is the individuals who otherwise 470 00:25:10,465 --> 00:25:11,697 would pay to ride the bus. 471 00:25:11,697 --> 00:25:13,780 They're able to use that money and keep that money 472 00:25:13,780 --> 00:25:15,363 to pay for groceries, to pay for food, 473 00:25:15,363 --> 00:25:18,878 to pay for other living expenses that they have. 474 00:25:18,878 --> 00:25:20,420 If you look at the data, it shows you 475 00:25:20,420 --> 00:25:23,220 that individuals who ride our buses, that money 476 00:25:23,220 --> 00:25:25,140 circulates within their communities. 477 00:25:25,140 --> 00:25:27,380 So from that perspective, it's been certainly 478 00:25:27,380 --> 00:25:29,240 a positive all around. 479 00:25:29,240 --> 00:25:33,400 Again, it's not a perfect system, but it's been very good. 480 00:25:33,400 --> 00:25:35,900 And a lot of people thank us for that opportunity 481 00:25:35,900 --> 00:25:38,740 to be able to save $30, $40 a month 482 00:25:38,740 --> 00:25:41,240 versus having to pay it out. 483 00:25:41,240 --> 00:25:43,240 Thank you. 484 00:25:43,380 --> 00:25:45,940 I just want to thank the attorney for all the hard work 485 00:25:45,940 --> 00:25:47,220 that you've done. 486 00:25:47,220 --> 00:25:49,620 Continue we move forward. 487 00:25:51,140 --> 00:25:52,840 We've done quite a few different things, 488 00:25:52,840 --> 00:25:56,440 and we're not through right now. 489 00:25:56,620 --> 00:26:00,280 mayor, before you go out, I just got to recognize. 490 00:26:00,280 --> 00:26:02,340 Hey, we have our mayor here with us. 491 00:26:02,340 --> 00:26:04,500 Is there anything you want to say. 492 00:26:04,500 --> 00:26:06,500 [INAUDIBLE] 493 00:26:07,140 --> 00:26:08,800 Appreciate you. 494 00:26:08,800 --> 00:26:08,950 Thank you sir. 495 00:26:08,950 --> 00:26:13,150 Can I make just a brief comment? 496 00:26:14,470 --> 00:26:15,710 I mean, [INAUDIBLE] 497 00:26:15,710 --> 00:26:17,100 Yeah. 498 00:26:17,100 --> 00:26:17,570 Come on. 499 00:26:17,570 --> 00:26:19,570 [MUTED] 500 00:27:41,680 --> 00:27:43,400 Thank you very much. 501 00:27:43,400 --> 00:27:45,400 OK. 502 00:27:46,240 --> 00:27:48,720 Let the record show that Councilwoman white 503 00:27:48,720 --> 00:27:50,400 has joined us. 504 00:27:50,400 --> 00:27:51,960 And that's about it. 505 00:27:51,960 --> 00:27:53,800 No other questions. 506 00:27:53,800 --> 00:27:54,720 Anyone? 507 00:27:54,720 --> 00:27:55,720 All right. 508 00:27:55,720 --> 00:27:58,400 Thank everybody for coming today. 509 00:27:58,400 --> 00:28:00,480 And this committee is adjourned. 510 00:28:00,480 --> 00:28:02,480 Thank you.