View source for Memphis Area Transit Authority

{{Short description|Public transportation provider for Memphis, Tennessee}}
{{Other uses|MATA (disambiguation){{!}}MATA}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox bus company
| name = Memphis Area Transit Authority
| logo = MATA logo.png
| image = MATA bus 855.jpg
| alt = A white Nova LFS bus in front of the Stax museum
| founded = {{Start date and age|May 13, 1975}}
| headquarters = 1370 Levee Road<br /> Memphis, TN
| locale = [[Memphis, Tennessee]]
| service_type = [[Transit bus|Bus]]<br />[[Tram|Trolley]]<br />[[Paratransit]]
| routes = [[List of MATA Bus Routes|23 (bus)]]<br /> [[MATA Trolley#Lines|3 (trolley)]]
| fleet = 122 buses<ref name="Agency Profile">{{Cite web |title=City of Memphis 2020 Annual Agency Profile |url=https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2020/40003.pdf |access-date=May 2, 2022 |website=transit.dot.gov}}</ref><br />5 trolleys
| fuel_type = Diesel, diesel-hybrid, and electric
| ceo = John Lewis (interim)
| website = {{URL|matatransit.com}}
|ridership = {{American transit ridership|TN Memphis total daily}} (total, {{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}<br /> {{American transit ridership|TN Memphis MB daily}} (bus, {{American transit ridership|dailydate}})<br /> {{American transit ridership|TN Memphis LR daily}} (trolley, {{American transit ridership|dailydate}})
|annual ridership = {{American transit ridership|TN Memphis total annual}} (total, {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}<br /> {{American transit ridership|TN Memphis MB annual}} (bus, {{American transit ridership|annualdate}})<br /> {{American transit ridership|TN Memphis LR annual}} (trolley, {{American transit ridership|annualdate}})}}

The '''Memphis Area Transit Authority''' ('''MATA''') is the [[public transportation]] provider for [[Memphis, Tennessee]]. It is one of the largest transit providers in the state of Tennessee; MATA transports customers in the City of Memphis and parts of [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby County]] on fixed-route buses, [[paratransit]] vehicles, [[Demand-responsive transport|demand-responsive]] service, and the [[MATA Trolley]] system. The system is managed by a seven-member policy board appointed by the mayor and approved by the Memphis City Council.<ref name=InsideMATA>{{Cite web|title=Inside MATA – About Us {{!}} MATATransit.com|url=https://www.matatransit.com/about/inside-mata/|access-date=2021-10-04|website=www.matatransit.com}}</ref> In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|TN Memphis total annual}}.

== History ==

=== Predecessors ===
In December 1960, the stakeholders of the privately-owned Memphis Transit Co (MTC), successor to the [[Memphis Street Railway Company]], voted to sell the system to the City of Memphis due to high operating losses.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=December 28, 1960 |title=MTC Is In Red For November |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2654375377 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=6 |id={{ProQuest|2654375377}}}}</ref> The following month, the City issued bonds to complete the acquisition and purchase 40 new air-conditioned [[GM New Look bus|GM New Look]] buses for the newly formed '''Memphis Transit Authority (MTA)'''.<ref name="Encouraged">{{Cite news |last=Spence |first=John |date=April 2, 1961 |title=Memphis Encouraged by Owning Bus Line |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2660716251 |work=[[Knoxville News Sentinel]] |pages=29 |id={{ProQuest|2660716251}}}}</ref> The MTC continued to manage the system, but a board of commissioners was appointed by the City to set fares, fix routes, buy equipment, and make contracts.<ref name="Encouraged" />

Over the next few years, MTA bought and sold buses to modernize its fleet. MTA continued to purchase buses from GM after finding demo [[Flxible New Look bus|Flxible New Look]] buses unsatisfactory due to issues with the air conditioning units.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Allen |first=Richard |date=May 1, 1965 |title=GM Is Awarded Contract For Air-Conditioned Buses |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2655106976 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=21 |id={{ProQuest|2655106976}}}}</ref> Despite the fleet improvements and increased service, ridership began to decline.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Allen |first=Richard |date=January 5, 1964 |title=MTA Expands By 15,000 Miles |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2654511927 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=99 |id={{ProQuest|2654511927}}}}</ref>

=== MATA ===
MATA was established by a city ordinance on May 13, 1975 to replace the MTA. The change increased the size of the board from three members to seven and gave the board the authority to hire a management firm to run the company. Purchasing power was transferred from the MTA purchasing department to a City purchasing agent.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 26, 1975 |title=MTA To Ask City Council to OK Debts |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2655324531 |access-date=February 22, 2023 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=19 |id={{ProQuest|2655324531}}}}</ref> This change was made in part because of poor publicity due to decisions made by MTA manager Tom Evans and city chief administrative officer Clay Huddleston.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 9, 1975 |title=Council Faces MTA Question |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2656395825 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=3 |id={{ProQuest|2656395825}}}}</ref>

In 1981, MATA suffered from insufficient operating funds due cuts in federal and state subsidies and insufficient city funding. To make ends meet, MATA cut service and raised fares in September 1981 and again in April 1982.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bernsen |first1=Charles |last2=Steverson |first2=William |date=November 29, 1981 |title=End Of Line Looms For City Buses |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2656604477 |url-access= |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=19 |id={{ProQuest|2656604477}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Felsenthal |first=Sandy |date=April 13, 1982 |title=Bus Cuts Leave Riders Angry, Confused |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2656510956 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=11 |id={{ProQuest|2656510956}}}}</ref> At the end of the year, MATA restored Sunday service and started an advertising campaign to restore its public image.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Graham |first=Louis |date=January 13, 1983 |title=MATA Plans To Polish A Tarnished Image |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2656790882 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=13 |id={{ProQuest|2656790882}}}}</ref> In 1983, MATA started operating [[MAN SG 220|MAN articulated buses]] to reduce personnel costs on busy routes. The lack of wheelchair accommodations was met with pushback from disabled riders.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dawson |first=William |date=September 28, 1983 |title=10 accordian-like buses to carry more, cost less |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2657462828 |url-status= |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=50 |id={{ProQuest|2657462828}}}}</ref>

In 1986, MATA board approved a plan to turn the declining Mid-America Mall (located on Main St.) into a [[transit mall]], with existing bus routes running along it.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Branston |first1=John |last2=Knott |first2=John |date=August 19, 1986 |title=MATA plans would reshape downtown mall |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2656427614 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=A1, A10 |id={{ProQuest|2656427614}}}}</ref> However, due to pushback, the [[Tourist trolley|imitation-trolley]] shuttle bus and [[streetcar]] alternatives were chosen for further consideration.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Beifuss |first=John |date=July 24, 1988 |title=Officials study options in push for transit mall |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2656887155 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=A1, A4 |id={{ProQuest|2656887155}}}}</ref> MATA began awarding construction contracts in 1991, and trolley operations began on April 29, 1993.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Huston |first=Jerry |date=April 22, 1993 |title=Trolley rumbles to life in city |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2657077617 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=E1, E8 |id={{ProQuest|2657077617}}}}</ref> 

In 2004, MATA studied purchasing [[Hybrid electric bus|hybrid electric buses]] to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=July 13, 2004 |title=Hybrid electric buses are worth a look |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2658624080/sem-2 |access-date=February 22, 2023 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=14 |id={{ProQuest|2658624080}}}}</ref> MATA received their first Gillig hybrid buses in 2007 and piloted them on MATAplus service.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Charlier |first=Tom |date=September 9, 2007 |title=MATA adopts hybrid buses to clean up act |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2658434073/sem-2 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=B1}}</ref> By 2010, MATA bought 15 hybrid buses and planned to buy 12 more, bringing the total to 15% of their fleet.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maki |first=Amos |date=October 5, 2010 |title=MATA gets $7M to upgrade buses |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2664453464/sem-2 |access-date=January 23, 2024 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=B5}}</ref>

Development for the Memphis 3.0 Transit Vision started in 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dries |first=Bill |date=April 28, 2017 |title=MATA Prepares Case for $30M Increase To Fund Bus System Improvements |url=https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2017/apr/28/mata-prepares-case-for-30m-increase-to-fund-bus-system-improvements/ |access-date=2022-03-06 |website=Memphis Daily News}}</ref> in association with the Memphis 3.0 Comprehensive Plan. The process was split into three phases which surveyed the existing conditions of the network and city, contrasted the different options for transit networks, and created a draft recommended network for stakeholder feedback. The [https://transitvision.memphistn.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2019/07/Memphis-Final-Transit-Vision-Report-20190502.pdf final report] was completed in March 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Resources |url=https://transitvision.memphistn.gov/resources/ |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=Transit Vision Memphis |language=en-US}}</ref> It included both a short-term recommended network to be implemented in 2022 as well as a long-term network to be implemented by 2040.

In 2019, the [[United States Department of Transportation|U.S. DOT]] awarded MATA a $12 million grant to fund the design and construction of the Memphis Innovation Corridor. The final design consisted of an eight-mile BRT line running from downtown to the [[University of Memphis]] and using [[Battery electric bus|battery-electric buses]]. MATA received another $76 million in 2022 for purchasing the BRT busses and constructing maintenance and charging stations for them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://memphisinnovationcorridor.com/about.html |access-date=2022-03-06 |website=memphisinnovationcorridor.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=November 6, 2019 |title=MATA receives $12 million grant toward Bus Rapid Transit project |url=https://www.actionnews5.com/2019/11/07/mata-receives-million-grant-towards-bus-rapid-transit-project/ |access-date=2022-03-06 |website=actionnews5.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Jackson |date=August 13, 2022 |title=$76 million in federal funds granted to MATA for electric buses, facility improvements |url=https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/community/76-million-federal-funds-mata-electric-busses/522-9cca4e3f-2d3f-4810-8de0-f06a55618d59 |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=[[ABC24 Memphis]] |language=en-US}}</ref> MATA received the first three battery buses in July 2023 and made plans to purchase 40 additional buses by December 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilt |first=Jacob |date=July 18, 2023 |title=The Commercial Appeal Subscription Offers, Specials, and Discounts |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2023/07/18/memphis-public-transit-new-electric-buses-added-to-mlgw-fleet/70420210007/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=[[The Commercial Appeal]]}}</ref>

In February 2024, Deputy CEO Bacarra Mauldin became interim CEO after Gary Rosenfeld stepped down from the position.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oates |first=Zaria |date=2024-01-31 |title=MATA CEO steps down, Bacarra Mauldin named first female interim CEO |url=https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/community/mata-ceo-bacarra-mauldin-first-female-interim-ceo/522-e99431f0-b0d5-4f6f-b885-a9a1f0439f94#:~:text=Former%20Deputy%20CEO%20Bacarra%20Mauldin%20may%20be%20the%20first%20woman |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=ABC24 |language=en-US}}</ref> In May, Mauldin announced the discovery of a $60 million budget deficit through the [[Tennessee Comptroller]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 21, 2024 |title=MATA has $60M deficit, won't be able to pay back $20M loan by June |url=https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/mata-has-60m-deficit-wont-be-able-to-pay-back-20m-loan-by-june/article_d940204e-17ba-11ef-8a56-831b07de9c2e.html |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=FOX13 Memphis |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Joyce |last2=Moore |first2=Joel |date=2024-06-13 |title=In the red—Questions about MATA’s $60 million debt still remain after city council meeting |url=https://www.actionnews5.com/2024/06/13/redquestions-about-matas-60-million-debt-still-remain-after-city-council-meeting/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=Action News 5 |language=en}}</ref> On August 27, MATA finalized its fiscal year 2025 budget, eliminating six routes and laying off 241 employees to reduce the operating budget by $10 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muckerman |first=Brooke |last2=Finton |first2=Lucas |date=August 27, 2024 |title=MATA board OKs budget with service line cuts; 241 employees to be laid off |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/government/2024/08/27/mata-route-cuts-employee-layoffs/74958509007/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=The Commercial Appeal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Callahan |first=Jody |date=August 28, 2024 |title=MATA to eliminate routes and lay off about half of staff |url=https://dailymemphian.com/article/46024/mata-memphis-area-transit-authority-eliminate-routes-lay-off-staff?utm_source=site_search&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=site_search |url-access=registration |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=Daily Memphian |language=en}}</ref> In September the board of commissioners approved the cuts. But in November, Mayor [[Paul Young (American politician)|Paul Young]] replaced all board members after receiving a draft of [https://interactive.localmemphis.com/pdfs/Modernizing-MATA-Final-Report-1.pdf TransPro's diagnostic report].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muckerman |first=Brooke |title=Memphis Mayor Paul Young replaces entire MATA Board of Commissioners amid budget woes |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2024/10/11/paul-young-replaces-mata-board/75636145007/ |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=The Commercial Appeal |language=en-US}}</ref> The new board subsequently postponed the budget cuts and fare changes to February 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=Jessica |last2=Moore |first2=Raven |last3=Arthur |first3=Shay |date=October 22, 2024 |title=New MATA board votes to pause service change, fare increase until 2025 |url=https://wreg.com/news/local/new-mata-board-to-vote-on-key-service-changes-in-first-meeting |website=[[WREG]]}}</ref>

In January 2025, the board of commissioners signed an eight-month contract with TransPro for interim staffing, appointing John Lewis as CEO of MATA.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arthur |first=Shay |date=January 15, 2025 |title=MATA OKs contract with Transpro, gets new interim CEO |url=https://wreg.com/news/local/mata-oks-contract-with-transpro-gets-new-interim-ceo/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=WREG.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Bus service ==
[[File:MATA Gillig Hybrid 4023.jpg|thumb|MATA bus on Walnut Grove Rd]]
As of May 2025, MATA operates 23 fixed-route bus routes. Most bus routes terminate at William Hudson Transit Center. On MATA's system map, bus routes are organized into three categories based on rush hour frequency: high frequency routes have 30-minute weekday frequency, medium frequency routes have 60-minute weekday frequency, and low frequency routes have greater than 60-minute weekday frequency.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MATA System Map August 2023 |url=https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA-SysMap-Aug23-web.pdf |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=matatransit.com}}</ref> MATA also operates a shuttle service to [[Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium|Liberty Park]] from [[Downtown Memphis, Tennessee|downtown]] and the [[University of Memphis]] for the [[Southern Heritage Classic]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Southern Heritage Classic - Riders Information |url=https://www.matatransit.com/shc/ |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=www.matatransit.com}}</ref>

In the past, MATA's roster included [[AM General Metropolitan|AM General 40&nbsp;ft. buses]], [[Rapid Transit Series|RTS buses]], [[Neoplan AN460|Neoplan articulated buses]], and [[Nova Bus LFS|NovaBus LFS]] buses. The LFS was MATA's preferred fleet of choice, having been used in its lineup from February 1980 until its retirement in April 2010, when the six remaining 1994 NovaBus versions were replaced with the Gillig Advantage Hybrids.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}} Today, MATA fixed-route fleet consists of diesel and [[Hybrid electric bus|diesel-electric]] [[Gillig]] [[Gillig Low Floor|Advantage Low Floor]] buses. These buses can hold 40 people seated<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2011 |title=MATA Transit Operating Environment |url=https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Existing_Transit_Environ_2013.pdf |website=matatransit.com}}</ref> and are equipped with [[Bicycle carrier|bike racks]], Wi-Fi, and a wheelchair ramp.

=== Bus Fleet ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Image
!Numbers<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Transpro Consulting |date=October 11, 2024 |title=The Modernization of MATA - An Operational Assessment of the Memphis Area Transit Authority |url=https://interactive.localmemphis.com/pdfs/Modernizing-MATA-Final-Report-1.pdf |website=ABC24 |page=53}}</ref>
!Manufacturer &
Model
!Delivered
!Length
!<div style="float:left;">Notes</div>
|-
|[[File:MATA_bus_out_of_service_Memphis_TN_2013-05-06_003.jpg|150x150px|MATA bus out of service Memphis TN 2013-05-06 003]]
|401-460
| rowspan="2" |[[Gillig]] [[Gillig Low Floor|Low Floor]]
|2003–2011
|{{Convert|40|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|Refurbished in 2018.<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[File:MATA_Plus_bus_Memphis_TN_01.jpg|150x150px|MATA Plus bus Memphis TN 01]]
|3001-3022
|2011
|{{Convert|29|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|No exit doors. Mostly used on MATAPlus and shuttle service.
|-
|[[File:MATA Gillig bus 4004 2024-08-01.jpg|150x150px]]
|4001-4040
| rowspan="2" |Gillig Low Floor Hybrid
|2012–2014
|{{Convert|40|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|[[Diesel–electric powertrain|Diesel-electric]]
|-
|[[File:MATA_hybrid_electric_bus.jpg|150x150px|MATA hybrid electric bus]]
|5001-5005
|2012
|{{Convert|35|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|Diesel-electric
|-
|[[File:MATA Gillig bus 21706 2024-01-17.jpg|150x150px]]
|21701-21715
| rowspan="2" |Gillig Low Floor
|2017
| rowspan="3" |{{Convert|40|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|First fleet to use 5 numbers, corresponding to the year it entered service (2[0]17xx)
|-
|[[File:MATA Gillig 21802 2024-07-09.jpg|150x150px]]
|21801-21818
|2018
|Plain white scheme and frameless windows. New all white livery with green MATA logo.
|-
|[[File:MATA Gillig bus 22202 2024-03-01.jpg|frameless|150x150px]]
|22201-22203
|Gillig Low Floor Battery
|2022
|[[Battery electric bus|Battery-electric]].
|-
|[[File:MATA GIllig bus 22306 2024-04-05.jpg|150x150px]]
|22301-223xx
|Gillig Low Floor
|2023
|{{Convert|29|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|
|-
|[[File:MATA Gillig bus 20802 2024-08-06.jpg|frameless|150x150px]]
|20801-20822
|Gillig Low Floor BRT
|2024
|{{Convert|40|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|Purchased from [[Sun Tran]].
|}

=== Current Routes ===
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" width="100%" style="font-size: 0.95em"
|-
!width="20"|'''Route'''
! colspan="2" |Terminals
!Major streets
!width="100"|'''Notes'''
|-
|'''1''' '''Union'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_1_sched_4_2023.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| rowspan="4" |Hudson Transit Center
|Walnut Grove Rd and Racine St
|[[U.S. Route 79 in Tennessee|Union Ave]], [[U.S. Route 72#West Tennessee|Poplar Ave]], Walnut Grove Rd
|The route serves the Binghampton portion of route 53.
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''2 Madison'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_2_sched_5_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|[[University of Memphis]]
|Madison Ave, Cooper St, Southern Ave
|The U of M branch replaces route 35 on Southern.
|-
|Knight Arnold Rd and Ridgeway Blvd
|(Mount Moriah Service)
Madison Ave, Cooper St, Southern Ave, Mount Moriah Rd, Knight Arnold Rd
|No weekend service, replacing route 21. 
|-
|'''4 Walker'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_4_sched_4_2023.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|Airways Transit Center 
|Vance Ave, Lauderdale St, South Pkwy
|
|-
|'''7 Shelby & Holmes'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_7_sched_5_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|Airways Transit Center
|Shelby Dr and Kirby Parkway
|Getwell Rd, Shelby Dr, East Holmes Rd
|Service from Watkins St and Hudson Transit Center weekday mornings only
|-
|'''8 Chelsea & Highland'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_8_sched_5_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| rowspan="3" |Hudson Transit Center
|Airways Transit Center
|Chelsea Ave, National St, Highland St
|Highland branch and National branch combined spring 2022, improving headway on Highland branch.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Service Update Summary May 2022 |url=https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/Service_Update_Summary_May_2022.pdf |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=matatransit.com}}</ref>
|-
|'''11 Frayser'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_11_sched_5_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|Yale Rd and Austin Peay Hwy
|Thomas St, Frayser Blvd, Yale Rd
|Serves the Amazon Facility on New Allen Rd.
|-
|'''12 Mallory'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_12_sched_5_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|Airways Transit Center
|Florida St, South Pkwy, Mallory Ave
|No Sunday/ Holiday Service. Serves the Airways Transit Center, replacing route 4 Walker/Alcy.
|-
|'''16 Southeast Circulator'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_16_sched_5_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|American Way Transit Center
|Airways Transit Center
|Mendenhall Rd, Perkins Rd, Winchester Rd
|Replaces routes 22 and 26.
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''19 Vollintine'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_19_sched_5_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| rowspan="3" |Hudson Transit Center
|Summer Ave and Mendenhall Rd
|Vollintine Ave, Hollywood St, Macon Rd
| rowspan="2" |No Sunday/Holiday Service. The Wolfchase branch replaces route 44
|-
|Wolfchase Galleria Mall
|Vollintine Ave, Hollywood St, Macon Rd, Covington Pike, Raleigh LaGrange Rd, Germantown Pkwy
|-
|'''28 Airport'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_28_sched_4_2023.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|IRS
|[[Interstate 240 (Tennessee)|I-240]], Nonconnah Blvd, Winchester Rd, Tchulahoma Rd
|Replaces routes 28, 64, 99, and 280. The route ends at [[Memphis International Airport|Memphis Int'l Airport]] on Sundays
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''30 Brooks'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_30_sched_8_2022_rev2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" |Third St and Eastman St
| rowspan="2" | Riverdale Bend and Winchester Rd
|(Shelby Branch)
Brooks Rd, Democrat Rd, American Way, Getwell Rd, Swinnea Rd, Shelby Dr, Riverdale Rd
| rowspan="2" | Serves the Airways TC and American Way TC. New routing partially replaces route 26. New routing extends to Winchester/Riverdale
|-
|(Holmes Branch)
Brooks Rd, Democrat Rd, American Way, Getwell Rd, Arnold Rd, Tchulahoma Rd, Holmes Rd, Hickory Hill Rd, Kirby Pkwy
|-
|'''32 Hollywood & Hawkins Mill'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_32_sched_4_2023.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|Airways Transit Center
|Frayser Plaza
|Airways Blvd, East Pkwy, N Hollywood St, Range Line Rd, N Watkins St
|Serves the Airways Transit Center. Hawkins Mill branch replaces route 18.
|-
|'''34 Central & Walnut Grove'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_34_sched_5_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| rowspan="3" |Hudson Transit Center
|Humphreys Blvd and Walnut Grove Rd
|Vance Ave, [[U.S. Route 78#Tennessee|Lamar Ave]], Central Ave, Highland St, Walnut Grove Rd, Humphreys Blvd
|No Sunday/Holiday Service. Replaces route 5 on Central Ave. Serves Baptist Hospital
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''36 Lamar'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_36_sched_4_2023.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" |Centennial Dr and Hacks Cross Rd
|(Kimball Branch)
Vance Ave, Lamar Ave, Kimball Ave, Getwell Rd, American Way, Perkins Rd, Winchester Rd
| rowspan="2" |36A branch serves Kimball Ave, replacing route 56. 36B branch serves Knight Arnold
|-
|(Knight Arnold Branch)
Vance Ave, Lamar Ave, Knight Arnold Rd, Getwell Rd, American Way, Perkins Rd, Winchester Rd
|-
|'''37 Perkins'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_37_sched_4_2023.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|American Way Transit Center
|Yale Rd and Austin Peay Hwy
|Getwell Rd, New Willow Rd, Perkins Rd, Waring Rd, Covington Pike, Raleigh LaGrange Rd
|No Sunday Service. Serves American Way Transit Center
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''39 South Third'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_39_sched_4_2023.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" |Hudson Transit Center
|Jonetta St and Holmes Rd 
|(Horn Lake branch)
[[U.S. Route 61#Tennessee|Third St]], Brooks Rd, Horn Lake Rd, Holmes Rd, Levi Rd
| rowspan="2" |The Horn Lake branch replaces the southern portion of route 12.
|-
|Holmes Rd and Third St
|(Weaver and 3rd branch)
Third St, Weaver St, Holmes Rd
|-
|'''40 Stage-Lauderdale'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/40_13.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|Alice Ave and Benton St
|Fletcher Trace Pkwy and Stage Rd
|S Fourth St, Lauderdale St, N Second St, Thomas St, Stage Rd, James Rd, Berryhill Rd 
|Merged with route 13 
|-
|'''42 Crosstown'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_42_sched_4_2023.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|Frayser Plaza
|Holmes Rd and Hudgins Rd
|Frayser Blvd, N Watkins St, Cleveland Ave, [[U.S. Route 51 in Tennessee|Bellevue Blvd, Elvis Presley Blvd]], Shelby Dr, Airways Blvd, Holmes Rd
|
|-
|'''50 Poplar'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_50_sched_8_2022_rev.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| rowspan="4" |Hudson Transit Center
|Exeter Rd and Poplar Ave
|Poplar Ave, Central Ave, Farmington Blvd
|
|-
|'''52 Jackson'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_52_sched_5_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|Methodist Hospital North
|Jackson Ave, Austin Peay Hwy
|
|-
|'''53 Summer'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_53_sched_8_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|[[Southwest Tennessee Community College]]
|North Pkwy, [[U.S. Route 79 in Tennessee|Summer Ave]], Sycamore View Rd
|
|-
|'''57 Park'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_57_sched_5_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|Primacy Pkwy and Ridgeway Rd
|McLemore Ave, Park Ave, Ridgeway Rd
|New routing replaces route 17 on McLemore and Route 35 on South Parkway between Bellevue and Lamar
|-
|'''69 Winchester'''<ref>https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_Rt_69_sched_5_2022.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
|American Way Transit Center
|Levi Rd and Oakshire
|Goodlett Rd, Winchester Rd, Millbranch Rd, Shelby Dr, Neely Rd, Raines Rd
|No Sunday/ Holiday service. New routing extends through the Boxtown and Westwood neighborhoods
|-
|}

== Trolley ==
{{Main|MATA Trolley}}
[[File:South Main Street Historic District Memphis TN 2012-04-15 014.jpg|thumb|A Riverfront Loop trolley near [[Memphis Central Station|Central Station]].]]
Initially opened in 1993, the [[MATA Trolley|Main Street Trolley]] Line uses classic [[Tram|streetcars]] on a system that has grown to three routes: one along the riverfront, another serving Main Street in the heart of downtown Memphis, and an extension on Madison Avenue.  The Madison Avenue line opened in 2004,<ref>{{cite news | title = Madison rail line to open March 15| newspaper = [[Memphis Business Journal]]| date = March 11, 2004| url = http://memphis.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2004/03/08/daily27.html| accessdate = July 14, 2010}}</ref> as the initial stage of a [[light rail]] system that would connect downtown Memphis with the [[Memphis International Airport]] and eventually to regional transit service beyond the MATA service boundaries.

Service was replaced by buses after two trolleys caught fire in late 2013 and early 2014. After nearly four years, the Main Street Trolley Line was reinstated in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trolleys Return to Main Street at End of April|url=https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2018/apr/17/trolleys-return-to-main-at-end-of-april/|access-date=2021-10-05|website=Memphis Daily News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-06-13|title=MATA trolleys off the tracks for expensive safety overhaul|url=https://www.wreg.com/news/mata-trolleys-off-the-tracks-for-expensive-safety-overhaul/|access-date=2021-11-19|website=WREG.com|language=en-US}}</ref> The Main Street Line operated trolleys with 12-minute [[headway]]s throughout the day. The Riverfront Line and Madison Line operated buses with 40-minute and 30-minute headways respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trolley Routes – Trolley {{!}} MATATransit.com|url=https://www.matatransit.com/trolley/routes/|access-date=2021-11-19|website=www.matatransit.com}}</ref>

On August 18, 2024, MATA suspended trolley service indefinitely due to an investigation into issues with brakes and costly upgrades recommended by [[Tennessee Department of Transportation|TDOT]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muckerman |first=Brooke |title=MATA suspends trolley service due to brake issues, no timeline on service restoration |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2024/08/19/mata-downtown-trolley-line-suspended/74856003007/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=The Commercial Appeal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Castany |first=Tammy |date=2024-08-18 |title=MATA suspends trolley service until further notice |url=https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/mata-suspends-trolley-service-until-further-notice/522-8533f182-0aa4-469e-81d5-235d735d7ea0 |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=[[WATN-TV|ABC 24]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!
!Line
!Opened
!Stations
!Length
!Termini
|-
|<span style="color:magenta;">█</span>
|[[Main Street Line (MATA Trolley)|Main Street Line]]
| align="center" |1993
| align="center" |13
|{{convert|2.0|mi|km|abbr=on}}{{citation needed|date=August 2013}}
|Butler Avenue – North End Terminal
|-
|<span style="color:#228B22;">█</span>
|[[Riverfront Loop (MATA Trolley)|Riverfront Loop]]
| align="center" |1997
| align="center" |19
|{{convert|4.1|mi|km|abbr=on}}{{citation needed|date=August 2013}}
|''none''
|-
|<span style="color:#FFBA00;">█</span>
|[[Madison Avenue Line (MATA Trolley)|Madison Avenue Line]]
| align="center" |2004
| align="center" |6
|{{convert|2.2|mi|km|abbr=on}}{{citation needed|date=August 2013}}
|Third Street – Cleveland Station
|}

== MATAplus ==
[[File:MATA Ford Transit van number 11810.jpg|thumb|MATAplus van]]
'''MATAplus''' is a shared ride [[paratransit]] service designed to meet the transportation needs of persons with disabilities in the Memphis service area. The service covers the same area as the MATA bus system and operate during the same days and hours as the fixed-route bus system in the same area. The service area extends three-fourths (3/4) of a mile beyond the fixed-routes, which means that anywhere beyond the area mentioned cannot qualify for MATAplus services.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Service Area – MATAplus {{!}} MATATransit.com|url=https://www.matatransit.com/mataplus/service-area/|access-date=2021-10-05|website=www.matatransit.com}}</ref> Two types of services are offered through MATAplus: Advance/Demand Response, which allows riders to book reservations in advance, and a subscription service that allows riders to use the service to take them to their destination and back.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MATAPlus - Disability Rideshare Service |url=https://www.matatransit.com/mataplus/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=www.matatransit.com}}</ref>

== On-demand service ==
[[File:MATA van 12209 in Frayser 06012023.jpg|thumb|A Ready! van servicing zone 2]]
'''Groove On-Demand''' is an [[Demand-responsive transport|on-demand]] service launched in February 2021. It is the successor to MATA and the Memphis Medical District Collaborative's Route 500 commuter bus. The current service also includes the Downtown Memphis Commission as a major supporter. Groove serves [[Downtown Memphis, Tennessee|Downtown]], the Medical District, New Chicago, and [[President's Island]]. Groove operates using software from [[Via Transportation]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Groove On-Demand|url=https://downtownmemphis.com/groove-on-demand/|access-date=2021-10-27|website=Downtown Memphis|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-03|title=New on-demand public transit service Groove On-Demand launches in Memphis|url=http://ridewithvia.com/news/new-on-demand-public-transit-service-groove-on-demand-launches-in-memphis/|access-date=2021-10-27|website=Via Transportation|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Groove On-demand rideshare service launching in Downtown Memphis |url=https://www.actionnews5.com/2021/02/03/groove-on-demand-rideshare-service-launching-downtown-memphis/ |access-date=2021-11-24 |website=actionnews5.com |date= February 3, 2021|language=en}}</ref>

'''Ready! by MATA''' is an on-demand service launched in August 2021 as a part of the Transit Vision network redesign. Ready! serves three zones: Zone 1 covers the neighborhoods of [[Boxtown, Memphis|Boxtown]], [[Westwood, Memphis|Westwood]], and [[Whitehaven, Memphis|Whitehaven]]. Zone 2 consists of [[Northaven, Memphis|Northaven]] and [[Frayser, Memphis|Frayser]]. Zone 3 is mostly in [[Cordova, Tennessee|Cordova]]. Reservations works similarly to ride hailing services, but payments can be made through the GO901 app or in-person with cash. Fares are the same as fixed-route buses. Ready! operates Monday-Saturday, 6am-7pm.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ready – Ready! {{!}} MATATransit.com |url=https://www.matatransit.com/ready/ |access-date=2021-10-27 |website=www.matatransit.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2021 |title=MATA to Launch Curb-to-Curb Transit Service, Ready! by MATA |url=https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/mata-to-launch-curb-to-curb-transit-service-ready-by-mata/522-1b51a0d6-f762-4806-bae6-7c6303224b08 |access-date=2021-10-27 |website=localmemphis.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-02 |title=MATA rolling out Ready! transportation service to Memphis neighborhoods Monday |url=https://www.wreg.com/news/local/mata-rolling-out-ready-transportation-service-to-memphis-neighborhoods-monday/ |access-date=2021-10-27 |website=WREG.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In October 2023, Groove served 11,105 riders. Ready! served 5,343 riders in SW Memphis, 2,248 in Northaven/Frayser, and 591 in Cordova.<ref name="CEO Report">{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2024 |title=MATA CEO Report |url=https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/CEO_Report_-_April_23_2024.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250507212027/https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/CEO_Report_-_April_23_2024.pdf |archive-date=May 7, 2025 |access-date=May 7, 2025 |website=www.matatransit.com}}</ref>

== Fares ==
MATA charges a flat fare for all trips. Since June 20, 2020, the full fare is $1 and the senior/disabled fare is $0.50. MATA also offers a Daily Fast Pass for $2 ($1 for seniors and disabled individuals), but hasn't offered 7-day or 31-day passes since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to three kids under 5 can board for free with fare-paying rider.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=June 11, 2020 |title=MATA ending free fares, making multiple changes to current operations |url=https://www.actionnews5.com/2020/06/11/mata-ending-free-fares-making-multiple-changes-current-operations/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=www.actionnews5.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MATA Bus Cash Fare {{!}} MATATransit.com |url=https://www.matatransit.com/bus/cash-fares/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=www.matatransit.com}}</ref>
[[File:GO901 Smart Card.png|thumb|GO901 Smart Card]]
In September 2020 MATA launched GO901, a mobile fare app that allows users to purchase fares and day passes using debit and credit cards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2020 |title=MATA launches new GO901 mobile pay app |url=https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/mata-launches-new-go901-mobile-pay-app/522-ed4d0606-d31c-458e-a54b-caeee80f708d |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=localmemphis.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQs {{!}} GO901TRANSIT.com |url=https://www.go901transit.com/faq/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=www.go901transit.com}}</ref> In conjunction with the app, MATA started offering free WiFi on vehicles starting in December 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2020 |title=MATA launches new GO901 mobile pay app |url=https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/mata-launches-new-go901-mobile-pay-app/522-ed4d0606-d31c-458e-a54b-caeee80f708d |access-date=2022-02-18 |website=localmemphis.com |language=en-US}}</ref> On August 21, 2023, MATA launched the GO901 Smart Card, which can be refilled on the app or at kiosks and service counters at MATA's transit centers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Finton |first=Lucas |date=August 21, 2023 |title=MATA launches 'Smart Card' system in bid to make public transit easier, safer in Memphis |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2023/08/21/mata-opens-smart-card-system-public-transit-payment-memphis/70641746007/ |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=The Commercial Appeal |language=en-US}}</ref> The Smart Card only supports pay-as-you-go payment and can be set up to [[Continuous payment authority|automatically refill]] itself.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Smart Riders |url=https://go901smartrider.com/ |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Go 901 Smart Riders |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Facilities ==
MATA administrative offices are on the 12th floor of [[One Commerce Square]]. In 2023, more space was leased for staff working on capital projects.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenfeld |first=Gary |date=December 19, 2023 |title=Board of Commissioners Agenda: Memo 23-56 |url=https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/Approved_Regular_Agenda_12-19-2023.pdf |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=matatransit.com}}</ref> The Trolley Operations and Maintenance facility is located at 547 North Main Street. The operations center and road vehicle maintenance facility are located at 1370 Levee Road. The facility was opened in 1981 and is located on top of an old garbage dump.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Steverson |first=William |date=May 4, 1981 |title=New Bus Barn Nears Completion |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2656154932 |work=[[The Commercial Appeal]] |pages=15 |id={{ProQuest|2656154932}}}}</ref>
[[File:William Hudson Transit Center 2025-05-07.jpg|thumb|William Hudson Transit Center]]
MATA owns three transit centers, two of which have parking, and one [[Park and ride|park-and-ride lot]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parking Information - Riders Information {{!}} MATATransit.com |url=https://www.matatransit.com/how-do-you-travel/riders-guide/parking-information/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=www.matatransit.com}}</ref> MATA also designates several malls as informal park-and-ride lots on its map.<ref name="System Map" />
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Location
!Coordinates
!Notes
|-
|William Hudson Transit Center
|444 North Main Street
|{{coord|35|09|23.5|N|90|02|52|W|display=inline}}
|Serves as the chief hub of the system and main transfer point for all downtown routes. Formerly known as the North End Terminal.
|-
|[[Memphis Central Station|Central Station]]
|545 South Main Street
|{{Coord|35|7|56|N|90|3|33|W}}
|Serves as a southern transfer point for routes 12, Riverfront Loop Trolley, and the Main Street Trolley as well as the connection point for [[Amtrak]] in Memphis.
|-
|American Way Transit Center
|3921 American Way
|{{coord|35|04|33.7|N|89|55|58.7|W|display=inline}}
|Serves as a suburban transfer location for routes: 7,8,16,30,36,37, and 69.
|-
|Airways Transit Center
|3033 Airways Boulevard
|{{Coord|35|3|42|N|89|59|33|W}}
|Serves a southern transfer point for routes: 4,12,16,28,30,32, as well as [[Greyhound Lines|Greyhound]], [[Jefferson Lines]], and [[Megabus (North America)|Megabus]].
|-
|Madison Park-and-Ride Lot
|Madison Avenue at Claybrook Street
|{{Coord|35|8|display=|21.5|N|90|1|3|W}}
|Serves the nearby routes 2 and 42, and the Madison Avenue Line.<ref name="System Map">{{Cite web |title=MATA System Map-November 2021 |url=https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_November_2021_System_Map.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126152858/https://www.matatransit.com/assets/2/6/MATA_November_2021_System_Map.pdf |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=matatransit.com}}</ref>
|}

==Fixed route ridership==

The ridership statistics shown here are of bus and streetcar fixed route services only and do not include demand response services.<ref>{{cite web | title=The National Transit Database (NTD) | url=https://www.transit.dot.gov/ntd/data-product/monthly-module-adjusted-data-release | access-date=April 24, 2024}}</ref>

{{#invoke:Chart | bar chart
| group 1 = 11930100:11816091:12608294:11311406:11396015:11472482:11475041:11360907:10986730:9782796:10016112:9931738:8379760:7731796:7263163:6683823:6353683:6029317:3304639:2703978:2754298:2963355
| units suffix =
| group names = Annual ridership
| x legends =2002:::2005:::2008:::2011:::2014:::2017:::2020:::2023
| colors = #{{rcr|Metra|BNSF}}
}}

==See also==
*[[List of bus transit systems in the United States]]
*[[Memphis Central Station]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.matatransit.com/ Official website]
*[https://transitvision.memphistn.gov/ Transit Vision Report (2019)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV20ZDzj0fI 1979 TV story on the "Hustle Bus"] at [[YouTube]]

{{MATA}}
{{Memphis, Tennessee}}
{{USLightRail}}
{{Tennessee public transit}}
{{Arkansas public transit}}
{{RATP Group}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Memphis Area Transit Authority|*]]
[[Category:Bus transportation in Arkansas]]
[[Category:Bus transportation in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1975]]
[[Category:1975 establishments in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Heritage streetcar systems]]
[[Category:Intermodal transportation authorities in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Intermodal transportation authorities in Arkansas]]
[[Category:Transportation in Memphis, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transit agencies in Arkansas]]