MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A clean slate and changes are already underway regarding the Memphis Area Transit Authority.

Memphis Mayor Paul spoke to the media on Monday just days after asking all nine members of the board to step down.

This comes days after a firm hired to look into the company gave its first report.

One of the people asked to replace the old board members is Cynthia Bailey, one of the leaders of the Memphis Bus Riders Union.

Upon getting the call about the position, Bailey said that it lit a fire in her to make a difference.

“At first, I was like, ‘Oh my God! They’re actually looking into what we’ve been telling them all this time.’ But I was more so satisfied,” Bailey said.

Despite recovering from a recent medical procedure, Bailey said she wanted to talk to WREG because it’s important that voices like hers are heard when it comes to MATA.

“This transportation system is not just people on the bus and riding for fun,” Bailey said. “These are people who are going to destinations, jobs, churches and healthcare.”

Bailey is one of nine people chosen by Mayor Young to replace MATA’s current board.

The decision came after the city received a report from TransPro, a firm paid $336,000 to study MATA’s operations.

“It certainly was a hard reset in our mind as we talk through where MATA goes next,” Young said.

The report forced the city to look for efficiencies.

Young said an example of that is that MATA is structured for about 75 buses but only 53 to 55 buses typically operate a day, making for longer wait times.

“I think most of the things that were in the report are things that we know but it was packaged in a way where it really told us that there’s time, that there is an urgency of now,” Young said.

As far as MATA’s executive leadership team, Young said there will be no changes right now.

“They’ll figure out the ultimate leadership,” Young said. “My goal as mayor is to make sure we have board representation that’s going to be able to help make the tough decisions that are going to be needed to get that system to where it’s really working for the people of our city.”

Bailey said that’s her goal too.

“Hold on, a change is coming,” Bailey said. “It’s going to be soon but it may not be tomorrow. But it’s going to change.”

On Tuesday morning, the Memphis City Council will vote on Mayor Young’s recommendations for new board members.

Mayor Young said his goal is to have some changers that riders will be able to see by November 3.