MATA suspending trolley service, ‘streamlining’ staffing costs

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Area Transit Authority announced on Sunday that they were suspending their trolley services.

In a press release, MATA said that a brake issue resulted in the Tennessee Department of Transportation recommending costly updates.

Rather than paying for those upgrades, MATA leaders say they have decided to halt all trolley service until further notice.

Alternatively, they suggest downtown riders can use Groove on Demand, which the Downtown Memphis Commission operates.

“The balance is very delicate,” said Bacarra Mauldin, MATA interim CEO. “While we
want a system of choice and transportation options, for now, we must focus on the
needs of riders who rely on public transportation to get to work, doctor appointments,
school and other critical destinations.”

MATA brought back their trolleys in 2018 after suspending the service on Main Street in 2014.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young said he expects any reduction in service and staff will be temporary, as they investigate and find solutions for any issues, saying MATA faced a “tough decision” to suspend service for safety reasons.

In addition to pausing trolley services, MATA said they are also streamlining its staffing and vendor costs. They have reviewed every line item and expenditure as they prepare to submit their final budget for approval.

“With MATA certainly there’s going to be a lot of discussion and dialogue around how to get the budget to match routes and all of the things people need to get to and from in a transit perspective,” Young said. “We are a community that’s deeply committed. I know Mata is committed to finding solutions. Our city is committed to finding answers so that’s what we’re going to work towards.”

According to MATA, every affected employee will be notified in the coming weeks and “receive support securing alternate employment.”

Vendor contracts have been “discontinued and/or dramatically scaled back.”

Fletcher Cleaves, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, says the trolley freeze will greatly affect him. All he can do now is hope MATA eventually brings it back.

“I think it’s a tragedy because as a person with a disability, I rely on public transportation and those dollar trolley rides are definitely beneficial,” Cleaves said.

Another rider, Hannah Jane, says she had her car stolen when she moved to Memphis from New Orleans. She’s worried about the trolley suspension, as it’s now become her primary mode of transportation for daily essentials.

“I have four boys. When we wanna go do something we use it,” she said. ” We all live downtown. I order food in, but when we want to go to the movie theater or if it’s raining none of us want to walk a couple blocks to work.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.