Mule Town Trolley to Transition to Demand-Response Service Starting May 1, 2025
Public Notice/Media Release Mule Town Trolley to Transition to Demand-Response Service Starting May 1, 2025
Columbia, TN – [March 13, 2025] – After years of serving the community, the Mule Town Trolley deviated fixed service will officially transition to SCATS demand-response reservation-based system beginning May 1, 2025. This change follows the challenges faced in securing the necessary local matching funds required for continued operation of the deviated fixed service.
Currently, the Mule Town Trolley is funded through the 5311 Rural Transportation Program, which requires a 25% local match to cover costs such as drivers, dispatchers, and fuel. The total annual budget for the Trolley is approximately $600,000, with $150,000 of that needing to be provided locally. The match was initially covered by South Central Tennessee Development District (SCTDD) reserves, but with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, supplemental funding in the 5311 program was awarded by Congress in the CARES and ARP Acts that did not require a local match.
The 100% Federal COVID-19 Relief funds (CARES & ARP) are now spent down and there are no additional relief packages passed by Congress that allow for 100% federal funds for operating, therefore the 25% local match remains a critical funding obstacle. In April 2023, the SCTDD reached out to the City of Columbia, Maury County, and the City of Mt. Pleasant to request assistance with this match. While the City of Mt. Pleasant approved the necessary matching funds, neither the City of Columbia nor Maury County were able to contribute the required local match due to their own financial constraints. Both local governments have faced tight budgets in the current economic climate, making it difficult to allocate the additional funds needed to sustain the service.
The Mule Town Trolley has been a vital public service, collecting a fare of $1.00 per ride, which generates on average $30,000 annually. However, these funds can only be used to offset operational expenses and cannot be applied toward the mandatory local match.
As a result, effective May 1, 2025, the Mule Town Trolley will transition to a reservation-based system with the SCATS Public Transportation Service. Passengers will need to make a reservation 72 hours in advance, subject to availability. This change will allow for continued service while the funding challenges are addressed.
In addition, SCTDD will honor any trolley fare tickets purchased before April 30, 2025, ensuring that riders can use their tickets even after the service transition. A Mobility Manager will also be available to assist riders who need help with transition plans or have concerns about adjusting to the new system.
"We deeply regret that we are unable to maintain the current operation of the Mule Town Trolley service," said Terrie Garcia, Transportation Director of SCTDD. "However, this new model will allow us to continue offering transportation services in a way that is both sustainable and efficient given the current financial constraints. We are committed to helping our riders through this transition and will provide any necessary assistance."
SCTDD remains committed to exploring additional funding options and solutions in hopes of one day restoring full, regular service to the Mule Town Trolley. For more information on the transition to demand-response service, or to make reservations, please visit https://www.sctdd.org/transportation/scats/ or call SCATS 931-388-9595 or 833-806-7228 option 8 for Maury.
