MEMPHIS, Tenn. —Downtown Memphis business owners are not happy the Memphis Area Transit has indefinitely suspended trolley service on Main Street.

MATA says a brake issue in July posed a safety risk, leading to a total shutdown. 

Business owners say Memphians and tourists used the trolleys, and they could see fewer customers downtown. 

“We do miss it,” said Stephen Guenther, Managing Partner at The Broom Closet. “I hope they are coming back.”

The Broom Closet sits directly across from the first trolley stop on South Main Street.

“We would tell people just jump on it and just see our city,” said Guenther.

He says the store has thrived in the heart of downtown Memphis for nearly eight years. In the few days without trolley traffic, he has already noticed a difference. 

“We see a few less people coming back and forth,” said Guenther. “A lot of people would ride it north to south. We definitely miss it.”

MATA’s interim CEO told City Council Tuesday that new issues continue from old triage efforts.

As city councilmember Pearl Walker rips up plans for extensive layoffs and bus route cuts, former councilman Martavius Jones says the council has a hand in this, too.  

“We never made substantial investments just from a maintenance standpoint, much less to help MATA grow and survive,” said Jones.

“I’m looking forward,” said Guenther. “I’m optimistic.”

WREG reached out to MATA for updates, but they say there is nothing new to share at this time.

Even though the trolley service has been suspended, Trolley Nights are expected to continue along Main Street.