MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- City council members give the green light to a new pilot program letting you ride the bus for free.

The resolution requests MATA create a zero-fare transit pilot and also create a way to track ridership through a rolling 30-day study.

This all comes as the city works to restructure the transit authority in an effort to manage years of budget shortfalls and questionable spending.

"I know that it does not fix the system today, but I hope that the public understands that this is a small gesture in acknowledging that we've got a lot of work to do," stated Councilman Chase Carlisle.

The city agrees to cover the costs of the free bus rides up to $2 million.

Again, the resolution passed with a favorable recommendation, so now it's up to MATA to determine next steps.

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