MARTA to Increase Service Frequency, Reduce Routes

According to an article by David Wickert in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) board’s planning committee approved a plan to boost service frequency and reduce the number of bus lines in the system. 

“MARTA believes the new bus service will increase ridership by prioritizing more frequent service on busy routes. But the final plan will likely spark an outcry from MARTA customers who lose routes they currently rely on.” A survey of MARTA riders showed divided opinions, with 54 percent of respondents saying they want more frequent service on fewer routes and 35 percent preferring less frequent service across a larger area. Under the new plan, buses would run every 15 minutes. The agency plans to approve a finalized plan in the fall. 

While bus ridership remains at just 60 percent of pre-pandemic levels, many Atlanta-area residents depend on MARTA’s services for their daily trips. “One thing that could soften the blow of reduced routes: MARTA is developing an on-demand transit system that could serve residents in neighborhoods that lost fixed-route bus service.”

Earlier this year, MARTA announced it would scale back its expansion plans and change a proposed light rail line to bus rapid transit (BRT) due to budget constraints.