The system was formed in 1969 as the Muskegon County Metropolitan Transportation System (MCMTS). In 1972, MCMTS absorbed the Muskegon Area Transit Authority and was renamed the Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS). In 1994, it was once again renamed to the Muskegon Area Transit System - The Shore Line.  MATS currently provides 9 bus routes, 3 Trolley routes, and an ADA paratransit service serving the approximately 170,000 County residents.