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Mule Town Trolley to End Fixed Route Service, Switch to Reservations Starting May 1

Issue #386

22 Mar

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Sunny w/ high of 66 & low of 43

📰 Mule Town Trolley to End Fixed Route Service, Switch to Reservations Starting May 1

🚒 Columbia Fire & Rescue Responds to Emergency at 5 Public Square Downtown

📰 Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Expands in Rutherford County, Creating 183 New Jobs

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, March 22nd

Sunday, March 23rd

Monday, March 24th

Tuesday, March 25th

Wednesday, March 26th

Thursday, March 27th

Mule Town Trolley to End Fixed Route Service, Switch to Reservations Starting May 1

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.

Columbia Fire & Rescue Responds to Emergency at 5 Public Square Downtown

From Columbia Fire & Rescue’s post…

At approximately 1:19 PM (Friday), Columbia Fire & Rescue responded to a reported structure fire at 5 Public Square in Downtown Columbia. Upon arrival, crews discovered smoke throughout the building caused by a malfunctioning HVAC unit. Firefighters quickly cleared the smoke, and no injuries were reported.

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Expands in Rutherford County, Creating 183 New Jobs

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. officials announced that the company will expand in Rutherford County, locating in a new facility at 8808 Manchester Pike.

Barrett plans to invest $76.4 million and create 183 new jobs through the project. The estimated 250,000-square-foot Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus will serve as the company’s primary global firearms manufacturing site and will offer employees a cutting-edge campus environment, housing state-of-the-art manufacturing, a corporate office and other major operations. Additionally, the NIOA Group, Barrett’s Australian-owned parent company, intends to locate its U.S. headquarters at the facility upon completion. 

Founded in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in 1982, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. is a Tennessee-based firearm and ammunition manufacturer. In 2023, the company was acquired by NIOA, a global firearms, weapons and munitions company headquartered in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. 

Since 2020, TNECD has supported 16 economic development projects in Rutherford County, resulting in approximately 2,600 job commitments and more than $323 million in capital investments.

“Tennessee is shaped by brands like Barrett that have made significant investments in our skilled workforce for decades. I am proud to announce nearly 200 new, high-quality jobs for families across Rutherford County, and I believe this company will continue to find great success in our state.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“Some of our biggest selling points as a state are the companies choosing to do business here. It’s no surprise that Barrett attracted the attention of Australian-based NIOA as this company has been a longstanding partner to Tennessee, strengthening our business climate and economy over the years. As brands like Barrett and NIOA continue to innovate and automate, we stand ready to lead and support their efforts.” –Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, March 22nd

Band Masters, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 5:30  PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The Road Crew, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
South Bound Crows, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
Laura Drake, The  Boondox, 8-11 PM
Stranger Than Fiction, Ember’s Tavern & Grille, 8 PM - 12 AM

Sunday, March 23rd

Todd Ciprian, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 4-7  PM
Phoenix Rising, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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