Millington residents could soon catch an on-demand ride for just $2. The city's Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously Thursday, Oct. 22, to approve what officials are calling West Tennessee's first on-demand public transit program, a 12-month pilot designed to give residents a cheaper way to get around town.
The vote came during a special-called meeting, as reported by The Daily Memphian, which described the plan as a more affordable alternative for Millington residents who need transportation. The newspaper reported the program is expected to launch by Thanksgiving, running weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rides will use an ADA-accessible transit vehicle.
City leaders framed the program as filling a real gap for residents who struggle to get to routine appointments. Alderman Gavin Smith said the goal is practical: “For me, it's about making it easier for our citizens or veterans to get to and from the pharmacy or doctor's appointments.” City Manager Frankie Dakin put it more simply, saying “Transit can change lives.”
How the Pilot Will Work
The service is designed for the general public ages 16 and older, covering residents, visitors and people who work in Millington. Reservations can be made by phone or app, with both advance bookings and same-day requests accepted. The program is targeting pickup within 15 minutes for same-day requests and on-time arrival for scheduled reservations, and it will follow holiday schedules once it's running.
Millington, TN - Municipal Government posted on Facebook: “COMING SOON — Go anywhere in Millington for $2. Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approve the region's first citywide on-demand transit for residents.”
The city has said details will be announced before service begins.
Funding and Partners Behind the Pilot
The pilot is structured as a 12-month partnership with Delta Human Resource Agency, alongside the Memphis Urban Area MPO and Shelby County Government. Delta HRA already operates a similar weekday transportation service across parts of West Tennessee. According to the agency's own description of its operations, Delta HRA Transportation serves Fayette, Lauderdale, Tipton and non-urban Shelby counties and runs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., matching the hours planned for Millington's new program.
That existing Delta HRA service offers some clues about how a regional on-demand model typically functions, though it is not identical to what Millington is launching. The agency's site notes that its buses do not run on weekends or on holidays such as New Year's Day, MLK Day and Memorial Day, and that reservations for in-county trips must be made three days ahead of an appointment, with five days required for out-of-county trips. Delta HRA also states that anyone can ride regardless of age or income, since the agency has no income guidelines.
A Regional First
City officials have described the Millington pilot as the region's first citywide on-demand transit program, a notable step for a city of its size taking on a model more often associated with larger metro areas. Millington is located in Tennessee, just north of Memphis, and the pilot's $2 per-ride cost puts it in line with similar on-demand microtransit efforts cropping up elsewhere. In west Charlotte, for instance, the Charlotte Area Transit System recently launched a $2.20 microtransit rideshare, with officials there aiming for wait times of no more than 30 minutes, according to WBTV.
The city has approved the pilot and set a target of launching before Thanksgiving.
