MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The trolleys may be back on track soon — well, sorta.

Memphis Area Transit Authority is aiming to roll out rubber-wheeled trolleys on Main Street soon.

MATA said they are ready for service after the trolley service was halted this summer, following MATA’s millions of dollars in budget woes and the need for expensive upgrades.

“I’m hoping that will help a little bit more, being a little more comfortable, a little more modern, sort of push Memphis into a new era as well,” said Juel Triggs, a downtown worker.

This won’t be the first time these rubber-wheeled trolleys take to the streets. In 2015, WREG gave you a look at the cars.

This was after the classic trolley service was halted after several streetcars caught fire.

A few years ago, many rejoiced that the original trolleys had come back. But last summer, once again, the service stopped for expensive upgrades and MATA budget problems. 

Triggs said that she notices that the trolleys help with tourism downtown.

MATA’s interim CEO told WREG in April he anticipated trolleys with the rubber wheels to come back to Main Street in May for festivals, but it did not happen.

“And I’m just getting questions by riders about when exactly they’re going to be out there,” said Cynthia Bailey, MATA Board Commissioner.

“We just don’t want the vehicles to show up and no one know about them, but we’re working through a notification plan now,” said Interim CEO Lewis.

On May 28, Lewis said they planned to have things ironed out in seven to 10 days, but MATA said people should expect an adjusted service. Currently, trolley buses run about half as frequently as before. 

“I definitely hope they actually bring them back, I think it would be a huge, huge increase in morale in the downtown area,” said Triggs, a downtown worker.

WREG has reached out to MATA for a statement. We will let you know when we hear back.