The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) board officially approved the NextGen Bus Network, a sweeping redesign of its more than 100 bus routes. This transformative initiative, which MARTA officials say will launch in late 2025, aims to deliver a smarter, faster, and more equitable transit experience across the Atlanta region.
“This is a major step toward a more equitable and rider-focused transit system,” said Collie Greenwood, MARTA GM/CEO. “The NextGen Bus Network is built from the voices of the people we serve. With more frequent buses, better connections, and improved infrastructure, this redesign meets our region’s evolving needs and lays the groundwork for a stronger transit future.”
A Redesigned Network Built from Community Input
Four years of detailed analysis and extensive public engagement, including over 60 meetings and 15,000 survey responses, informed the redesign. This feedback helped MARTA refine its plans to ensure improved access for low-income, minority, and underserved communities.
The NextGen network adopts a 70/30 ridership-to-coverage balance to prioritize high-ridership corridors while maintaining coverage across all neighborhoods.
Key features of the NextGen Bus Network include:
Tripled Access to Frequent Transit: The number of people with access to frequent bus service (every 15 minutes or better) will nearly triple.
Expanded Frequent Corridors: Frequent service corridors will grow from five to 17.
Improved Wait Times: Routes offering service every 20 minutes will increase from nine to 11.
Seven-Day Service: All fixed routes and new on-demand zones will operate weekly with flatter, more consistent service schedules.
On-Demand Zones: The plan introduces 12 new flexible transit zones for lower-density communities, enhancing connectivity.
Simplified Route Structure: The number of fixed bus routes will be reduced from 113 to 81, creating a clearer, more efficient network.
Significant Coverage Gains: 74,000 more residents and 76,400 additional jobs will be near frequent service, and 30-minute or better transit options will serve 143,100 more residents.
Measurable Community Benefits
The redesigned system is expected to produce a range of impactful outcomes, including a 6% increase in overall population served, a 7% increase in low-income residents served, an 11% increase in minority residents served, a 27% increase in grocery stores accessible within 60 minutes, a 31% increase in hospitals accessible within 60 minutes, and a 22% increase in jobs accessible within 60 minutes by transit.
In addition to route and service enhancements, MARTA will invest in new transfer points with timed connections, infrastructure upgrades for smoother operations, and app-based access to on-demand zones. These features aim to improve the overall rider experience significantly, said MARTA officials.
With board approval now secured, MARTA will begin the final phase of preparations to launch the NextGen Bus Network in late 2025.
