Shelby County mayor announces sustainability plan for $10 million in dedicated funding for MATA

The mayor of Shelby County, Tenn., Lee Harris, introduced his funding plan for public transit, which includes a proposed sustainability fee for third vehicles that could generate at least $10 million in new funding for the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA).

The plan implements a fee of $145 for third vehicles and beyond. The investment will have zero impact on most families and there will be no increase in taxes. A sustainability fee on third and subsequent vehicles will not affect 83 percent of residents.

The proposal will have a big impact on transit, according to Shelby County. A dedicated investment of at least $10 million has an economic impact of more than $40 million as a result of expanded job access and reduced car crashes.

The county also believes this plan would have an impact on poverty. There are 15,000 available jobs in Shelby County. More frequency helps people get a job and keep a job.

The investment is also designed to help increase ridership by at least one million rides, therefore reducing emissions by thousands of metric tons.

“Everyone has to play a role in trying to preserve our shared environment, even local elected officials,” Harris said. “We will all enjoy the benefits of clean air, reduced congestion and a reduction in poverty. This sustainable investment in transit helps achieve all those objectives.”

“This landmark plan will dramatically change the trajectory of funding for public transit in this community,” said MATA CEO Gary Rosenfeld. “An investment of this magnitude provides more opportunities for people to get to work and school and overall improve their quality of life.”

The administration is seeking a commission vote on an investment in transit and a transit plan by February 2020.