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West Memphis launches West Memphis Connect micro‑transit; city touts jobs and sponsored rides
Summary
Mayor and the city's transit consultant described West Memphis Connect as an app-based micro-transit service with a $2 fare, announced Southland and Baptist Crittenden each purchased blocks of the first free rides, and said the city will hire up to 18–20 transit positions with the director role posted now.
Mayor McClendon and the city’s consultant introduced West Memphis Connect, an app-based micro-transit program that the administration says will provide $2 rides on demand and operate like ride-hailing targeted to local trips. The mayor said the system is designed to connect residents to work and services and to reduce transportation-related barriers to employment.
Bakar Malden, the consultant on the project, said hiring for the system will begin immediately. "The jobs probably are going to be posted, as we speak," Malden said, adding drivers will not need a commercial driver’s license to operate the vans. Malden asked prospective applicants to check the City of West Memphis website for openings for the transit director and operator positions.
The mayor also announced private sponsorships to jump-start service: Southland purchased the first 1,000 rides and Baptist Crittenden committed funds for the second 1,000 rides. "This is creating jobs here in West Memphis," the mayor said, noting additional partners including East Arkansas Family Health Center and community donors.
The council heard details about the fare structure, staffing plans and funding sources; city officials said they expect to pursue grants and contributions from federal and state programs as they scale the service. The administration said the service will begin rolling out in the coming months and the director hire will precede broader operator recruiting.
