THE MAC BUS LLC | Application Preview
THE MAC BUS LLC is seeking $886,000 in government funding to launch and expand a community-based public transit system in Jackson County, Mississippi. The funding will support the purchase of a new shuttle, driver wages and benefits, fuel, safety supplies, insurance, technology, marketing, administrative costs, and project contingencies.
The initiative is designed to roll out in five phases from late 2025 through 2029:
1. Proof of Concept (2025–2026): Launch a pilot fixed-route shuttle between Moss Point and Pascagoula, offering free or low-cost rides to demonstrate impact and gather data.
2. Strategic Expansion (2026): Add service to key employers, casinos, and the airport, including potential employer-specific routes and weekend/on-demand options.
3. Depot Development (2026–2027): Build a permanent facility with fueling, maintenance, admin, and driver support space on shared land with the TH SportCenter.
4. Technology Integration (2027–2028): Introduce dispatch and mapping software, rider mobile app, GPS tools, electronic payments, and a central reporting dashboard.
5. Regional Scaling (2028–2029): Secure long-term public and private partnerships, expand services across the county and rural zones, and launch paratransit programs for seniors and people with disabilities.
The project ties closely with the founder’s broader vision to uplift underserved communities through both reliable transit and the upcoming TH SportCenter — a sports and event facility aimed at generating jobs, tourism, and opportunities for young people.
THE MAC BUS aims to fill a gap left by larger transit authorities like Coast Transit Authority, and private rideshare services such as Uber/Lyft. Its focus is on affordable, accessible, community-rooted service tailored to residents without access to smartphones, bank cards, or existing transportation options.
More than just a transit program, THE MAC BUS positions itself as a catalyst for economic growth, social equity, and community rebuilding in one of Mississippi’s most underserved regions. The applicant emphasizes personal commitment, local roots, and a detailed plan with community backing and early infrastructure investment already underway.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 1456941
Location: Moss Point, MS, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
Item Cost Additional Shuttle Acquisition $150,000 Driver Salaries & Benefits $320,000 Fuel & Maintenance $45,000 PPE & COVID-19 Safety Supplies $15,000 Marketing & Outreach $12,000 Transit Stop Equipment & Signage $14,000 Project Management/Admin $40,000 Insurance, GPS, and Vehicle Tech $25,000 Data Collection/Reporting Tools $10,000 Contingency & Compliance Buffer $15,000 Total: $486,000 $646,000 Local Match/In-Kind $240,000 Total Requested: $886,000
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Business Plan
Phase 1 (Q4 2025 – Q1 2026): Foundation & Proof of Concept Launch a 6–9 month pilot fixed-route service between Moss Point and Pascagoula using an ADA-compliant 28-passenger shuttle Offer free or low-cost rides to build ridership, trust, and data for future funding Collect key performance data: ridership, cost-per-trip, community impact Phase 2 (2026): Strategic Expansion Add new routes to local casinos, the airport, and major employers to increase reach and revenue Explore employer-contracted routes to reduce absenteeism and support shift workers Introduce limited weekend and on-demand services for special needs or events Phase 3 (2026–2027): Depot Development Build a permanent MAC Bus Depot on the shared 48-acre site with TH SportCenter The facility will include: Covered parking and fueling Driver break and training areas Administrative and dispatch center Light maintenance and vehicle staging zones Phase 4 (2027–2028): Technology Integration Implement dispatching software and route optimization tools Launch a rider-facing mobile app with GPS tracking and service alerts Deploy an electronic fare collection system for cashless payments and ridership data Build an integrated dashboard for grant reporting and operational efficiency Phase 5 (2028–2029): Regional Scaling & Public-Private Partnerships Formalize partnerships with cities, counties, and economic development boards Apply for sustained funding via FTA 5311/5339, MS DOT, and employer contracts Expand service footprint across Jackson County and beyond — serving medical hubs, underserved rural areas, and high-growth zones Introduce paratransit or senior-focused services with community agency partners Vision: To become the go-to transit solution in the Gulf Coast region, while anchoring equitable access, job creation, and sustainable mobility. Jackson County deserves more than promises — it deserves action, opportunity, and leadership rooted in love for its people. I’m not just proposing a project. I’m offering a bold solution: reliable transportation and a world-class sports and event facility to restore hope, create jobs, and keep our youth engaged, healthy, and inspired. Why invest in me? Because I care deeply, and I act. I’m from this region, and although I don’t live in Mississippi, I’ve never left it behind. I’ve seen what happens when people leave and don’t return: communities struggle. But I believe in reversing that. I believe in rebuilding, reinvesting, and returning with purpose. The MAC Bus and TH SportCenter are more than just businesses. Together, they solve real problems: Transportation access for seniors, workers, and families Youth engagement and sports development through a premier facility — the largest in the Deep South 600+ jobs created across transit, operations, hospitality, and events Economic growth through regional tournaments, vendor opportunities, and tourism I don’t just have ideas — I have a plan, I’ve already made investments, and I’ve started executing. But I can’t do it alone. Your support brings this vision to life. Invest in me because I bring passion, structure, and grit. This is personal, and I will see it through—not just for me but also for the people who call this community home.
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Self Identified Competition
1. Coast Transit Authority (CTA) – Gulfport, MS What They Do: Public transportation providers operate fixed routes primarily in Harrison County, with limited regional service reaching parts of Jackson County. Why They’re a Competitor: They already serve parts of the Gulf Coast and have access to federal funding and infrastructure. How We’re Different: The MAC Bus is hyper-local to Moss Point and the underserved Jackson County zones. We offer nimble pilot-based service, community-designed routes, and potential door-to-door transit solutions not covered by CTA. Focus on first-mile/last-mile coverage and direct employer engagement. 2. Uber/Lyft & Private Rideshare Platforms What They Do: On-demand rideshare services are available in some areas, typically requiring smartphones, accounts, and premium fares. Why They’re a Competitor: They provide transportation on demand — but often only for those who can afford it. How We’re Different: We serve low-income, elderly, and ADA riders often excluded from rideshare platforms. We offer scheduled, fixed-route service with no credit card or smartphone requirement. Our pricing is affordable and consistent, not surge-based 3. Church Vans and Nonprofit Shuttles What They Do: Local churches or community groups often provide informal or limited transport services for members and seniors. Why They’re a Competitor: They fill a mobility gap in underserved communities but are often underfunded and limited in scale. How We’re Different: The MAC Bus is a professional, scalable, and accountable operation We’re grant-supported, compliance-driven, and aligned with regional transportation goals We’re building infrastructure (depot, tech systems, workforce) for long-term community impact 1. We’re Built for the Underserved, Not the Convenient. While other services cater to high-traffic areas or paying customers, the MAC Bus is designed to serve low-income, elderly, and disabled residents who are often left behind by traditional transit or rideshare options. We don’t wait for demand to justify service—we respond to need. 2. We’re Rooted in Community, Not Bureaucracy. Unlike large public transit systems that struggle with flexibility, our structure allows for agile route design, community input, and rapid pilot testing. Our goal isn’t just mobility — economic empowerment and access to healthcare, education, and opportunity. 3. We Combine Transportation with Economic Development. No other local provider is pairing transit infrastructure with a project like TH SportCenter — a sports complex designed to generate jobs, tourism, and youth programming. We’re creating a full ecosystem of movement, employment, and community health. 4. We Are Proactive, Not Reactive. Instead of waiting for problems to become visible, we’ve done the research. With a completed feasibility study, mapped routes, stakeholder engagement, and a ready-to-launch pilot, the MAC Bus is ahead of the curve, not catching up. 5. We Don’t Just Move People — We Uplift Places. Our mission is deeper than transport. It’s about restoring hope in Moss Point and similar underserved communities. That makes us not just a service provider but a partner in transformation.
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