The transport service provider is the Memphis Area Transit Authority (tel: (901) 274 6282; website: www.matatransit.com) who operate bus and trolleybus routes. The telephone line is open Monday to Friday 0600-2130, on Saturday and public holidays 0700-1700 and closed Sunday.

Since most residents of Memphis own cars, public transport in the city is not particularly good. However, buses do operate although timetables vary and should be checked on the information helpline. The standard adult fare is US$1.50 and tickets can be bought on the bus.

MATA also operates a streetcar service – the Main Street Trolley. Vintage trolley cars run in the Downtown area along Main Street and on a Riverfront Loop, every five to ten minutes. The service runs 0600-2400 Monday to Thursday, 0600-0100 Friday and Saturday and 1000-1800 on Sunday. Regular fares are 60 cents each way but drop to 35 cents between 1100 and 1330 Monday to Friday.

An all-day pass costs US$2.50 and a three-day pass costs US$6; these can be purchased on board the trolleys. A monthly pass can be purchased for US$15 from the MATA Customer Service Centre.

It is not possible to hail taxis in the street; they must be booked by telephone. Providers include Yellow Cab Company (tel: (901) 577 7777) or City Wide Cab Company (tel: (901) 324 4202).

The first mile costs US$2.90, after which it is US$1.40 per mile, plus 50 cents for each additional passenger. The standard tip is 15% of the fare

A limousine service is provided by a number of companies. These are: Armore Limousine Service (tel: (901) 362 7000), By Your Chauffeur (tel: (901) 272 8824), Cross Country Tours (tel: (901) 398 4476), Tennessee Limousine Service (tel: (901) 452 6207) and Taylor Made (tel: (901) 396 3565). Rates start from US$125 per hour.

Memphis is a sprawling city and for areas outside of Downtown, a car is the best way of getting about. However, traffic can be heavy at times, particularly during the rush hours (0730-0900 and 1700-1830), so plenty of time should be allowed for each journey. In general, the city is laid out on a grid, with avenues running east–west and streets running north–south. However, there are exceptions to this rule, including the Downtown area. The main east–west roads are Poplar and Union Avenues. These get very congested during rush hours and are best avoided. Locals have a reputation for being fast, aggressive drivers, so visitors should drive carefully. Right turns on right lights are permitted if it is safe, unless otherwise stated.

Parking in Downtown Memphis is fairly cheap. Many hotels offer free parking, while the most expensive charge US$10 for valet parking and US$5 for self parking each day. There is a free car park on the cobblestones between Front Street and the river. Metered parking is also available on the streets.

Some companies will insist on an International Drivers Permit, as well as the driver’s national licence, so visitors should check regulations before they leave home. Most car hire companies require drivers to be over 25 years old. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) cover is advised when hiring a car.

All major car hire companies have offices in the city, near the airport. These include: Alamo (tel: (800) 327 9633; website: www.alamo.com); Avis (tel: (901) 345 2847 or (800) 331 1212; website: www.avis.com); Budget (tel: (901) 398 8888; website: www.budget.com); Enterprise (tel: (901) 525 8588; website: www.enterprise.com); Hertz (tel: (901) 345 5680 or (800) 654 3131; website: www.hertz.com) and Thrifty (tel: (901) 345 0170 or (800) 367 5680; website: www.thrifty.com).

Car hire in America is fairly cheap; rates vary from US$50 to US$75 per day.