The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has officially begun the 100-day countdown to the launch of the NextGen Bus Network. Scheduled to go live on April 18, 2026, this historic initiative marks the most significant and comprehensive overhaul of Atlanta’s bus system since the 1970s.

According to an agency release, the NextGen Bus Network is designed to connect riders to more places with faster service, shorter waits, and new on-demand zones. By prioritizing high-frequency service, the new network will more than triple the number of corridors where buses arrive every 15 minutes or less.

“As we begin the 100-day countdown to April 18, we are preparing to deliver a NextGen Bus Network that truly reflects the needs of our region and improves service for our bus customers,” said MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt. “By increasing frequency and offering new options, we are also removing barriers to opportunity and ensuring that MARTA remains a vital, reliable engine for our region’s growth.”

What’s New: More Access and More Opportunities

The new network uses improved strategies to make transit easier and more convenient, with nearly every route in the system changing. Key improvements include:

• More Frequent Routes: The network will feature 15-minute service in 17 corridors, along with increased frequency on many other routes.

• Fewer Transfers: New fixed-route services are designed to operate more efficiently, saving riders time.

• Timed Transfer Locations: Key connections will be coordinated to reduce wait times, with several locations receiving upgraded amenities and pedestrian features.

• MARTA Reach On-Demand: Launching March 7, 2026, MARTA Reach on-demand microtransit service will operate in 12 specific zones to bridge the gap between neighborhoods and the larger rail and bus system.

• Consistent Seven-Day Schedules: Most bus routes and reach zones will maintain the same frequency on weekends as on weekdays, providing reliable service for those who travel every day of the week.

The NextGen Bus Network will also help drive regional growth by significantly expanding access to jobs throughout Metro Atlanta. By improving service frequency and efficiency, MARTA will connect riders to 75% more jobs through high-frequency service running every 15 minutes or better.

Additionally, the new network broadens the system's regional reach by adding 150,000 additional jobs within a 30-minute transit window, effectively removing barriers to employment and creating more opportunities for commuters throughout the area.