MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Green hybrid MATA buses will soon be rolling down Main Street Mall.
There has been no MATA service on the mall since trolley service was suspended in June, 2014.
Bus service will be provided due to summer festivals, the opening of Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid and Memphis in May.
Buses will only stop at designated trolley stops and will not exceed 10 miles per hour.
MATA said business owners have noticed a drop in business due to the lack of service.
“There has been a highly appropriate outcry by merchants, particularly in the South Main District and by the Downtown Business Association that the trolleys are vital to downtown from an iconic perspective and a transportation perspective,” said Ron Garrison, MATA President and General Manager.
Several fires led to an inspection and eventually the suspension of shuttle service.