MATA launches 'Smart Card' system in bid to make public transit easier, safer in Memphis

Lucas Finton, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Updated ·2 min read
Memphis Area Transit Authority Chief Development Officer John Lancaster opens two kiosks at MATA's American Way station on Aug. 21, 2023. The kiosks are part of a new initiative to have riders sign up for smart cards. The GO901 app can also be used to add funds to the cards.
Memphis Area Transit Authority Chief Development Officer John Lancaster opens two kiosks at MATA's American Way station on Aug. 21, 2023. The kiosks are part of a new initiative to have riders sign up for smart cards. The GO901 app can also be used to add funds to the cards.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to more clearly state MATA is still accepting cash as riders board buses.

The Memphis Area Transit Authority has officially launched a new ticketing option with the hopes that it will be a step towards providing efficient, safe public transportation on par with other large U.S. cities.

The new option, MATA's GO901 Smart Card, functions like a reusable gift card. Riders are able to deposit money through the GO901 app and through kiosks that will be placed throughout the city.

"Almost all major cities now have smart cards and ticket vending machines and retail networks," said MATA Chief Development Officer John Lancaster. "We're catching up with the big guys with this."

The smart cards will first be rolled out on the trolley and bus systems but eventually will be used for the entire MATA fleet. When money is placed on the card, riders will just need to tap the card on a machine when getting onto the trolley or bus and their fare will be paid.

Two kiosks were opened at the Memphis Area Transit Authority's American Way station on Aug. 21, 2023. The kiosks are part of a new initiative to have riders sign up for smart card. The GO901 app can also be used to add funds to the cards.
Two kiosks were opened at the Memphis Area Transit Authority's American Way station on Aug. 21, 2023. The kiosks are part of a new initiative to have riders sign up for smart card. The GO901 app can also be used to add funds to the cards.

For riders who use cash to pay their fares, kiosks will be spread throughout the city for people to load money onto the cards.

"There will be about 300 stores where you can load and add money on a card, like Walgreens, CVS and places like that," Lancaster said. "The smart cards are much more convenient to carry with you."

The cards can have up to $200 loaded at a time, and deposits can be as small as 50 cents, Lancaster said.

MATA first began planning for the new system about five years ago and started its procurement process for the cards and kiosks in 2019, but Lancaster said the pandemic slowed things down.

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Over the last six weeks, MATA has been going to various community events to give people early and free access to the cards. MATA Public Information Officer Mia Harvey said the reaction has been positive, but some people questioned if the public transport was moving away from riders being able to pay in cash as people board buses at the launch of the card. Harvey said that is not the case, and cash will still be accepted when boarding.

"It adds safety and security and expedites the ridership," Lancaster said. "People don't have to carry cash, they can just carry the card, and it makes it more convenient. You can register your card, so if you lose it, you don't lose your money. We can replace your card and transfer your money to a new card if that happens and your card is registered."

The cards will cost $2 to set up going forward and can be purchased at any of MATA's transit stations.

Lucas Finton is a criminal justice reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com and followed on Twitter @LucasFinton.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: MATA opens 'Smart Card' system, modernizing transit fares in Memphis