Explore the Final NextGen Bus Network
MARTA’s proposed NextGen Bus Network is designed to provide smarter, faster, and more efficient public transportation to address the needs of our growing region. With innovative solutions and community, this network enhances accessibility, efficiency, and equity to create a more connected system.
​
The effort takes a route-by-route approach to reimagine a customer-focused bus system, connecting more people to more opportunities more, faster. Proposed changes to bus routes in Atlanta, DeKalb County, and Fulton County align with key goals for improved service.
The information below introduces the new network.
SMARTER
-
Redesigned bus network that is easier to navigate
-
Simplified routes that reduce the need for transfers
FASTER
-
Reach more places in less time
-
More frequent service with buses arriving every 15 minutes or less
BETTER
-
A more flexible, accessible, and faster bus system
-
Greater accessibility with new on-demand service launching in key zones
Click the map to enlarge or download.
Propelling MARTA's Bus Network to the Next Generation
Since launching bus service in 1979, MARTA has expanded to accommodate growth and serve new areas. However, evolving travel patterns, shifting commuting habits, and the rise of remote work have highlighted the need for a smarter approach to transit. With unprecedented regional growth and development, the NextGen Bus Network is designed to adapt to these changes, ensuring that MARTA continues to deliver reliable and effective transit solutions.
Current Bus Network
The existing MARTA bus network runs 113 routes. Only five segments (red) offer frequent service (every 15 minutes or better) all day. Most routes run every 30 -60 minutes, with limited routes running only at peak times or on weekends. There are also few timed connections between routes.
Click the map to open the full version
Final NextGen Bus Network
The final network has 81 streamlined routes, with 17 frequent corridors (red). Many less frequent routes also make timed connections for faster trips. In low density areas, MARTA is proposing 12 on-demand transit zones—offering customers a flexible alternative to fixed route service.
Click the map to open the full version
Light blue lines arrive every 40-45 minutes
Green lines arrive every 60 minutes
Tan Zones are on-demand service areas
Dark Red lines arrive every 10-12 minutes or less
Red lines arrive every 15 minutes
Purple lines arrive every 20 minutes
Dark Blue lines arrive every 30 minutes
Fall 2023 Outcomes
-
The average resident can reach 104,600 jobs within 60 minutes by transit and walking.
-
The average minority resident can reach 86,900 jobs within 60 minutes by transit and walking.
-
The average low-income resident can reach 108,600 jobs within 60 minutes by transit and walking.
-
610,600 residents are within 1/4 mile of any transit service.
-
38,800 residents are within 1/4 mile of service every 15 minutes or better.
Final NextGen Bus Outcomes
-
The average resident could reach 127,300 jobs within 60 minutes by transit and walking, an 22% increase.
-
The average minority resident could reach 106,600 jobs within 60 minutes by transit and walking, a 23% increase.
-
The average low-income resident could reach 133,900 jobs within 60 minutes by transit and walking, a 23% increase.
-
649,000 residents are within 1/4 mile of any transit service, 6% more than today.
-
112,900 residents are within 1/4 mile of service every 15 minutes or better, 190% more than today.
What's in the Final Network?
Less Waiting
With more focus on ridership goals, the most important transformation is reduced waiting. The NextGen Bus Network dramatically expands the frequent network—the set of services that run every 15 minutes all day. The number of corridors with frequent service increases from 5 to 17, greatly expanding frequent service across the system.​
More Direct Routes
Routes designed for high ridership go straight, rather than deviating, because the majority of riders want to go straight to major destinations. In the NextGen Network, routes are more direct with fewer deviations from main roads.​
More Coverage Provided with On-Demand
To cover places where ridership is lower, MARTA can use a flexible service rather than a scheduled transit route. This service is called “On-Demand.” It is a useful coverage tool that can reach many people and destinations effectively and efficiently and there are 12 zones in the network.
Timed Connections
By carefully scheduling routes so they meet and wait a few minutes before departing again, lower frequency routes can be made so that people can make a quicker transfer among buses without a long wait. In the NextGen Bus Network there are several locations with timed connections.​
Interactive Route Finder
Explore the NextGen Bus Network to map your route and see what's new.
Click Here to open this tool in a separate window for more features, or explore detailed materials on the Resources Page.
Dark Red lines arrive every 10-12 minutes or less
Red lines arrive every 15 minutes
Purple lines arrive every 20 minutes
Dark Blue lines arrive every 30 minutes
Light blue lines arrive every 40-45 minutes
Green lines arrive every 60 minutes
Tan Zones are on-demand service areas
For route information from the Existing Network to the NextGen Bus Network, please review this Route Comparison Table.
This Route Comparison Table shows the route number, name frequency from the existing network to how the routes will be changes in the NextGen Bus Network- number, name, and frequency).
MARTA is excited to share the vision for the NextGen Bus Network and invites public feedback to shape the future of transit. Together, we can create a smarter, faster, better system that reflects the needs and aspirations of our growing region.
Explore the vision. Share your voice. Experience smarter, faster, better transit with MARTA.
​E-mail busnetwork@itsmarta.com