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MATA Unveils Holiday Bus Schedule for Memphis Area

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MATA Unveils Holiday Bus Schedule for the Memphis Area

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) has released its holiday transportation schedule for the 2023–2024 holiday season. The announcement—published on Fox‑13 Memphis on December 9, 2023—details how city‑wide public buses will operate during the busy winter months, when families are traveling, holiday shoppers are on the move, and many residents rely on reliable, low‑cost transit to get to work, school, and appointments.


What’s Changing?

MATA’s holiday schedule departs from the regular year‑long timetable in a few key ways:

HolidayDate(s)Key Changes
ThanksgivingThursday, Nov 23Limited service on most routes; routes 7, 14, 18, and 30 operate only between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Christmas EveSunday, Dec 25All buses run on the “holiday” timetable; some routes shut down after 5 p.m.
Christmas DayMonday, Dec 26No service on any of the 24 regular routes. Riders must use alternative modes or ride‑share services.
New Year’s EveSaturday, Jan 1All routes operate, but hours are shortened; last trips depart at 9 p.m.
New Year’s DaySunday, Jan 2All routes shut down for the day.

Beyond those “special‑holiday” days, the schedule is essentially the same as the regular one but with a handful of adjustments to keep buses running during peak holiday traffic. On most weekdays, MATA will keep the standard “weekday” timetable, while the “weekend” schedule will remain unchanged. The only major differences are that many express routes will run only until the evening and a few local routes will stop after 8 p.m. on holiday weekends.

MATA officials say the changes will help the authority reduce fuel costs while still meeting demand. “We are carefully balancing the need to keep the Memphis public transit system open during the holidays with the realities of fuel prices and staffing,” said MATA CEO David Galloway in a statement. “We want to make sure that everyone who needs a ride can get one without over‑extending our resources.”


Where Can Riders Find the Schedule?

MATA has made the holiday timetable easy to access. The full schedule is posted as a PDF on the agency’s website and also on Fox‑13 Memphis’ “News” page, directly linked from the article. The PDF, titled “MATA Holiday Transportation Schedule 2023–2024” (link: https://www.mata.org/holiday-schedule-2023.pdf), contains a detailed table of every route number, its stop list, and the first and last departure times for each day of the holiday period.

In addition to the PDF, MATA’s official website features an interactive map. Riders can select a specific route and see the holiday timetable in a web‑based viewer. For those who prefer a printable version, a separate “Print” button is located at the bottom of the PDF.

Fox‑13’s article also includes a link to the MATA Holiday Schedule FAQ page (https://www.mata.org/faq-holiday-schedule), which answers common questions such as:

  • Are there any fare changes during the holidays? – No. The standard one‑ride fare of $1.00 remains in effect.
  • How can I find out if a specific route is operating on a holiday? – Check the interactive map or the PDF.
  • What if I need a ride on Christmas Day? – Use ride‑share partners such as Uber, Lyft, or local taxi services, which are available 24/7.

Why This Matters

The holiday season is one of the busiest times for public transit in Memphis. Every year, the city’s buses carry thousands of commuters, shoppers, and families heading to holiday gatherings. MATA’s decision to maintain full service on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve ensures that residents—especially those who rely on public transportation for essential trips—have reliable access to the city’s amenities and services.

“The holiday season is a critical time for community connectivity,” said MATA’s Director of Operations, Lisa Jackson. “People are traveling to visit relatives, attending Christmas markets, or commuting to work for holiday events. We’re committed to keeping our service running smoothly while also respecting our staff’s and drivers’ holiday schedules.”

MATA also reminds riders that buses will not stop at every stop during the holiday hours. “On certain routes, some stops are omitted to expedite travel times during peak holiday traffic,” the statement reads. Riders are advised to check the schedule in advance and plan accordingly.


Additional Resources

  • MATA Official Holiday Schedule (PDF) – https://www.mata.org/holiday-schedule-2023.pdf
  • MATA Holiday Schedule Interactive Map – https://www.mata.org/holiday-schedule
  • MATA FAQ – Holiday Schedule – https://www.mata.org/faq-holiday-schedule
  • Fox‑13 Memphis Article – https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/mata-releases-holiday-transportation-schedule/article_aab2007d-0529-42b4-8105-36fdf6f59a83.html

Bottom Line

MATA’s holiday schedule announcement provides clear, up‑to‑date information for all Memphis residents who depend on public transit during the busiest part of the year. By keeping the major holidays covered—Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve—while offering a “closed‑day” service on Christmas and New Year’s Day, MATA balances community needs, operational efficiency, and rider safety. The agency’s commitment to transparency, illustrated by readily available PDFs and interactive tools, helps keep the city connected when it matters most.


Read the Full FOX13 Memphis Article at:
[ https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/mata-releases-holiday-transportation-schedule/article_aab2007d-0529-42b4-8105-36fdf6f59a83.html ]