MTS History
Monroe Transit System: A Legacy That Began in 1906
Monroe Transit’s story isn’t just history; it’s the story of a community determined to stay connected, adapt, and grow. At the dawn of the 20th century, Monroe made a bold and visionary choice that would put it among the nation’s innovators. In 1903, led by Mayor A.A. Forsythe, the Monroe City Council approved plans to build one of the first municipally owned street railways in the United States—an ambitious step toward shaping the city’s future.
By 1904, a $100,000 contract was awarded to Westinghouse Electrical Company to bring this vision to life. Construction began in May 1905, but progress was soon interrupted by a Yellow Fever epidemic. Despite this setback, Monroe pressed forward with determination, reflecting the resilience that continues to define the community today.
That perseverance paid off on June 11, 1906, when city officials and residents gathered for the first official ride on the Monroe Municipal Street Railway. Just days later, on June 15, regular service launched across four lines—linking neighborhoods, supporting local growth, and changing how people moved through their city. While Monroe was the second city in the nation to adopt this model, it proudly stood at the forefront of a new era in public transportation.
For more than 30 years, the street railway served as a vital lifeline. But as Monroe grew, so did the need for a more flexible system. Buses soon emerged as a smarter, more efficient way to meet the community’s evolving needs.
On August 21, 1938, the final streetcar made its journey down the Lee Avenue line—closing one chapter and opening another. From those early rails to today’s modern transit system, Monroe Transit has never stood still. Its mission remains the same: to connect people, support progress, and serve the community every step of the way.
