MARTA invites public to give input on NextGen Bus Network, help shape future of transit in Atlanta region

ATLANTA – MARTA is offering more than 30 opportunities for the public to participate in virtual and in-person meetings in 2025 as part of its unveiling of the draft NextGen Bus Network plan. 

This strategic redesign of more than 100 bus routes intends to deliver a smarter, faster, and better network to meet the evolving needs of the region. Comments and insights gathered during the public engagement period will help refine the draft network. 

The 2025 public meetings kicked off with an open house at MARTA headquarters on Saturday, Jan. 25, and will conclude with a final open house at the same location on Saturday, Feb. 22. Throughout this period, MARTA will offer a variety of in-person and virtual meeting options, including convenient virtual “lunch and learn” sessions tailored to midday schedules.

“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,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “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.” 

The first round of public meetings include:

For the complete schedule of public meetings and to RSVP, please visit https://bit.ly/martanextgen.

Additionally, an online survey provides an accessible option to share feedback on the proposed network changes. All comments and survey responses will be accepted through March 9, ensuring every voice is heard before implementation.To learn more about the proposed NextGen Bus Network and access the online survey, please visitMARTANextGenBusNetwork.com. 

The NextGen Bus Network reflects MARTA’s long-term vision for a more equitable and efficient transit system that prioritizes access to jobs, education, essential services, and stronger community connections. Key proposed service enhancements include increased frequent service routes, enhanced job accessibility, and new, on-demand service zones that meet the diverse needs of lower-density areas.

The Atlanta region continues to experience unprecedented growth, with evolving travel needs and rising demand for flexible transit solutions. These shifts underscore the need for the NextGen Bus Network, designed to accommodate the region’s rapidly changing landscape and improve connectivity to destinations, job centers, and other essential services.

NextGen Bus Network: Smarter. Better. Faster. 

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.