Atlanta

MARTA announces 30 new opportunities for public to weigh in on bus network plans

By WSBTV.com News Staff
By WSBTV.com News Staff

ATLANTA — As MARTA works on designs and plans for its NextGen Bus Network, the transit agency is offering dozens of chances for metro Atlanta residents to weigh in on how the routes could change.

MARTA says new bus routes will be part of a “smarter, faster and better system to serve the evolving needs” of the metro Atlanta area and held one of several planned meetings in mid-December.

Now, the agency says they’ll be holding 30 opportunities for the public to voice their support, concerns or ideas on how the new bus network will be designed in a combination of virtual and in-person meetings.

“The NextGen Bus Network is a transformative initiative built on equity and inclusive community engagement, marking a pivotal step in modernizing our transit system to meet the region’s rapid growth and evolving travel needs,” MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood said in a statement. “We invite everyone to join the conversation. Your feedback—whether as a rider, resident, or stakeholder—will play a vital role in shaping and refining the NextGen Bus Network to better serve our communities throughout the Atlanta region.”

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The “strategic redesign” of MARTA’s bus network is expected to cover more than 100 of the current service routes.

According to MARTA, the NextGen Bus Network will provide greater access to more jobs, destinations, and opportunities by:

  • Expanding frequent service areas from five corridors to 18, making it easier for riders to reach their destinations.
  • Increasing 20-minute service routes from nine existing routes to 13 planned routes for shorter wait times and quicker trips.
  • Adding 12, new, on-demand service zones, offering flexible transit solutions for communities with lower population density.
  • Providing seven-day-a-week service on all routes and on-demand zones, eliminating peak-only service hours to meet riders’ diverse schedules.
  • Streamlining fixed bus routes from 113 to 79 to create a simpler and more navigable network, with minimal impact on current service areas.
  • Offering greater accessibility for residents and workers, with 95,000 more people and 103,000 additional jobs within close reach of frequent transit service that runs every 15 minutes or better. Additionally, 143,200 more residents will have access to service running every 30 minutes or better.

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MARTA said there would be an open house held on Jan. 25 and another on Feb. 22 to discuss the NextGen Bus Network.

Additionally, there are eight meetings announced through the beginning of February, though the furthest scheduled meetings on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 are both virtual. There is also a virtual meeting scheduled for Jan. 28 at noon, with the rest of the current list all in-person meetings.

Here’s the schedule:

A complete list of the scheduled public meetings can be found online here.

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