The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) has signaled intentions to return its trolley service to Downtown Memphis, aiming for a 2025 revival after a hiatus due to brake problems and subsequent layoffs. The service's suspension came with a sharp reaction from the public and local business community, bringing a silence to Main Street that once vibrated with the "clang, clang" of passing trolleys, as Action News 5 reported.
In the meantime, the trolley operators have resumed work as bus drivers following a union agreement, with MATA’s interim CEO Baccara Mauldin expressing the organization's commitment to diligently work towards the trolleys' return as they are driving buses to help with fixed and MATAPlus routes, they do so with the hope that their former positions will be waiting for them next spring or summer according Mauldin's posts on social media, as reported by Action News 5.
MATA faces a considerable financial challenge with a $60 million deficit however interim CEO Mauldin has put forward a plan to the MATA board for the trolleys' return, necessitating a 160-day notice to the federal government as mandated by law before their service can resume, this information was conveyed by a MATA spokesperson to FOX13.
Local businesses along South Main have felt the impact of the trolley absence, with Mark Parsell of South Main Sounds telling WREG, “When they’re not running, it’s just not the same around here.” Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green showed a guarded optimism, underscoring the importance of ensuring proper funding while wanting to see the service restored, acknowledging the transit authority's challenges and the community's desire to see the iconic part of Memphis life back on track amidst concerns the trolley drivers who were laid off and didn't know what was going to happen this Christmas and also for the businesses up and down Main Street that rely on that transportation as well as the bus riders who are trying to get from one area of downtown to another.
During the awaited return of the trolleys, which has seen some like Robert Hastings and Randy Hirsch vocal about the loss to Downtown Memphis's character and appeal, MATA has discussed setting up a shuttle service to accommodate attendants of upcoming large events such as the COGIC Holy Convocation, as Action News 5 detailed in their coverage.
