Commuting by Bus in Memphis
Commuting is a huge part of the American workweek, and public transportation plays a major role in getting us from point A to point B. Families, individuals, communities, and businesses all benefit from a good public transportation system. A lifeline for millions of Americans, it connects us to people, places, and possibilities. Public transportation eases traffic congestion, contributes to a cleaner environment, and is a safe and economical way to commute. Statistics from the American Public Transportation Association show that:
Traveling by public transport is 10 times safer than traveling by car.
Public transportation saves money -- in fact, an average household can save $10,000 by using public transport and living with one less car.
It's good for the environment, reducing both gasoline consumption and a community's carbon footprint.
Plus, it is fun and easy to let someone else take care of the driving:
Spend your time catching up on social media
Get a jump start on your day by checking your emails, work on that Power Point presentation, or return a few phone calls
Take some time for yourself. Read a book, listen to music or a podcast, or call a friend
Great communities deserve great transit, and in Memphis we are fortunate to have the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). To help you with planning your commute by bus, we’ve compiled a few tips from MATA:
When inclement weather causes safety concerns, MATA will notify you of delays and cancellations via Omnialert. Sign up here.
MATA Tracker is now available, giving you access to real-time vehicle location technology to help you plan your bus and trolley travel.
MATAplus is a shared ride paratransit service designed to meet the transportation needs of persons with disabilities in the Memphis and Shelby County service area.
Groove On-Demand (offered in partnership with the Downtown Memphis Commission) works like a minibus that comes when you want, where you want. Book a ride straight from your phone, get picked up in minutes, and access all of Downtown, the Medical District, South City, and New Chicago. Download the Groove On-Demand app from your mobile device to get started. For iOS, download from the Apple App Store; for Android, use Google Play.
The MATA system map shows major streets and areas served by MATA. It is accompanied by a chart that outlines the frequency and days of service on individual routes represented on the map. View the .pdf here.
Do you know where your nearest bus station is? Visit MATA here to find out and get rolling.
Purchasing your tickets through MATA's Go901 app has perks! Find out more and download the app here.
Lastly, we are so pleased that great things are in store for MATA in the near future:
The news that MATA has received four grants from the Department of Transportation is worth celebrating! The funding is for capital improvements to physical amenities and conditions. Totalling nearly $140 million, the grants will make a huge and positive impact on Memphis public transportation.
The Memphis Transit Vision was adopted by the MATA board of directors. The Memphis Innovation Corridor is the backbone of the Memphis Transit Vision and will provide important connections that benefit the entire network.
Mobility Hubs are locations where different forms of transportation are available to make mobility choices easier. Memphis will welcome these developments in the coming year.