The Memphis Area Transit Authority abruptly laid off workers in mid-August, and recently announced additional job cuts. Seventeen trolley drivers lost their jobs, and it is estimated that over fifty workers will be affected by upcoming layoffs. The Memphis Area Transit Authority Board stated that the layoffs are due to significant financial challenges. Financial issues have also stalled services to fix broken trolley brakes and trolley services are currently paused. There is no set date for when services will return. Trolley drivers are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union, and the union claims that MATA did not provide any warnings before layoffs occurred.
See "Memphis Area Transit Authority announces layoffs due to financial challenges", Desmond Nugent, ABC 24, September 6, 2024