MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An experiment with free fares on buses in Memphis has been “extremely successful” so far, the leader of Memphis Area Transit Authority told City Council on Tuesday.
MATA introduced the 90-day Zero Fare pilot program on Nov. 16 and has said it hopes to expand the project.
MATA rides free for 90 days starting Nov. 16
Interim CEO Roderick Holmes said in the first two weeks, overall ridership was up 18% across all routes, representing about 3,000 to 4,000 additional riders.
Total ridership was 56,037 from Nov. 16-22.
MATA has struggled with multimillion-dollar deficits and changes to its board and leadership after accusations of misspending…