Memphis Adopts $1B+ Transportation Plan, Updates MATA Services September 2026

The Memphis MPO is currently conducting the public review period for the FY 2026-29 Transportation Improvement Program. That period ends August 26, 2026, with formal adoption scheduled for September 11, 2026. The resulting document will guide federally funded transportation projects in the Memphis Transportation Management Area through 2029.

The Memphis TMA received federal certification from the FHWA and FTA in 2023. The planning process remains certified through September 6, 2027. This certification provides the framework under which the MPO develops and updates its multi-year investment plans.

Timeline for Plan Adoption and MATA Oversight

Memphis Area Transit Authority faces a severe financial crisis and trust deficit. In response, the City Council has restricted half of MATA's $30 million FY2026 budget and imposed new reporting requirements while a financial audit is completed. A 2024 operational study by TransPro was completed and shared with the City Council after a new board and interim leadership team were appointed in October 2024.

These steps affect daily transit access for Memphis residents who rely on fixed-route bus service. MATA's fixed-route bus fleet has declined from 155 buses in 2000 to 54 buses in 2025. Service was reduced by 39 percent and ridership fell by 80 percent between 2005 and 2023.

Next Steps for Residents and Project Delivery

After the public review closes, the MPO will finalize the FY 2026-29 TIP for adoption on September 11, 2026. Any approved projects and funding allocations would then move through subsequent federal and local processes before construction or service changes occur. The ongoing MATA audit and reporting requirements will determine when budget restrictions are lifted and how service adjustments are implemented.

Residents seeking to comment on the TIP can participate during the current public review window. The outcomes will shape which transportation improvements receive funding in the coming years.