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The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) launched a Zero Fare Pilot Program on November 16, 2025, allowing passengers to ride all MATA services at no cost. Originally introduced as a 90-day pilot, the program has now been extended through March 31, 2026, giving riders continued access to fare-free transit while MATA evaluates the program’s long-term impact.
The Memphis City Council and MATA partnered to launch this pilot with the support of Mayor Paul Young in response to community needs and rising costs of living across the region.
Public transportation is a lifeline for thousands of Memphians. MATA connects people to jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services. Since launching, the Zero Fare Pilot has resulted in nearly a 25% increase in ridership and has helped put money back into the Memphis community, allowing riders to keep more of their income for necessities such as food, housing, childcare, and healthcare.
The Zero Fare Pilot was designed to remove financial barriers to mobility and to evaluate how fare-free service can strengthen community connections, improve access to opportunity, and enhance equity across the city. The extension provides additional time to assess impacts on riders, daily operations, and the overall health of the transit system.
Once this evaluation is complete, MATA will make a determination on the future of Zero Fare and will communicate any changes clearly and well in advance to ensure riders have time to plan.
FAQs
Q: How does the Zero Fare pilot work?
A: The Zero Fare Pilot Program allows passengers to ride any MATA service free of charge, including fixed route buses, trolleys, and MATAplus paratransit service. This pilot begins November 16, 2025, and is designed to make public transportation more accessible and equitable for all Memphians.
Q: Why is MATA doing this?
A: The City of Memphis and MATA launched the Zero Fare Pilot to evaluate how fare free service impacts:
- Ridership and community access
- Service reliability and operations
- Equity and affordability for residents
The program reflects our shared commitment to improving mobility, safety, and access to opportunity across the city.
Q: How long will the pilot last?
A: The Zero Fare Pilot is a temporary program that begins November 16th and runs for until March 31, 2026. The City of Memphis and MATA will monitor ridership data, service performance, and public feedback throughout the pilot period.
Q: Which MATA services are included?
A: All MATA services are included:
- Fixed route buses
- Downtown trolleys
- MATAplus paratransit service
Q: Do MATAplus riders still need to be registered?
A: Yes. MATAplus riders must still meet eligibility requirements, complete assessments, and schedule rides through the normal process. The only change is that no fare will be collected during the pilot.
Q: Do I still need to make reservations for MATAplus?
A: Yes. All standard MATAplus scheduling and ride procedures remain in effect.
Q: Will this affect bus schedules or routes?
A: The Zero Fare Pilot only removes fare collection. However, MATA will be implementing a service update on November 16th that will adjust times on a few routes to better match ridership and operational needs.
Q: With potentially more riders, are you concerned about safety during the Zero Fare period?
A: MATA is increasing supervisor, safety, and security presence across the system. Operators have clear procedures for handling disruptive behavior, and additional de-escalation training is being provided in partnership with the Memphis Police Department.
All passengers are still required to follow MATA’s Passenger Code of Conduct to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Q: What if a passenger refuses to follow rules or becomes disruptive?
A: Passenger conduct expectations remain unchanged. If someone refuses to comply or disrupts service, MATA personnel and operators will follow established safety protocols.
Q: Will this impact MATA’s funding or operations?
A: The City of Memphis and MATA are closely monitoring operational costs, ridership data, and service performance throughout the pilot. The findings will help determine future funding models and whether fare free service is sustainable long-term.
Q: Where can people get more information about the pilot?
A: Visit www.matatransit.com/zero-fare or follow @RideMATA on social media for updates, announcements, and community engagement opportunities.
Q: Will fares return after the pilot?
A: Once the pilot is complete, MATA and the City will evaluate the data and community feedback to decide next steps. Riders will be notified in advance if/when fares are reinstated.