Memphis leaders report shelter options update and transit pilot ridership gains

Janice Swearingen Washington, chairwoman-elect of the Memphis City Council, said the council's Housing and Community Development Committee heard an update on temporary shelter options for victims of domestic violence and homeless families and provided a resource phone number for assistance.

"We heard an update on temporary shelter options for victims of domestic violence and homeless families," Swearingen Washington said and noted a contact for help: MIFAA at (901) 529-4545.

Ford Canale, council chairman, delivered a transportation update: "As a result of the 0 fare pilot, so far ridership is up 18%, which equates to roughly 3,000 riders across Memphis each day." The statement summarizes the council's report on the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) 0-fare pilot; the recap did not include underlying ridership data or the pilot's duration.

The update combined social-service and transit items; council leaders encouraged residents seeking shelter or assistance to use the MIFAA contact and said more detailed meeting materials and vote records will be available through council channels.