NextGen Bus Network:
Explore the Draft Redesign
MARTA’s proposed NextGen Bus Network represents a smarter, faster, and better approach to public transportation, designed to meet the evolving needs of our growing region. With innovative solutions and community input, this network enhances accessibility, efficiency, and equity to deliver a more connected region.
The NextGen Bus Network effort has taken a route-by-route approach to reimagining a more customer-centric bus system that works to connect more people to more opportunities, faster. With proposed changes to City of Atlanta, DeKalb County and Fulton County bus routes, the draft redesign is built around key goals that deliver a smarter, faster, and better bus service.
The information below introduces the new network. More details will be released as we get closer to the public meetings in December.
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.
Draft NextGen Bus Network
The draft network has 79 streamlined routes, with 15 frequent routes (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.
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
SMARTER
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Redesigned bus network that is easier to navigate
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Simplified routes that reduce the need for transfers
FASTER
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Reach more places in less time
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More frequent service with buses arriving every 15 minutes or less
BETTER
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A more flexible, accessible, and faster bus system
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Greater accessibility with new on-demand service launching in key zones
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.
What's in the Draft 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 18, 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.
A Focus on Equity and Accessibility
Equity is central to MARTA’s NextGen Bus Network Redesign, aiming to provide SMARTER, FASTER, and BETTER transit access for historically underserved communities. With better access to jobs, education, and healthcare, the NextGen Bus Network strengthens communities and promotes equity through improved access to transit that empowers more people to pursue opportunities and stay connected.
Increase in Access for Minority Communities
Minority and low-income communities will gain greater access to economic opportunities such as education (+19%), hospitals (+26%), and grocery stores (+25%), improving the quality of life for underserved communities.
Job Access Improvements
The average resident will gain access to 21% more jobs and destinations within a 60-minute trip, making transit an important travel option for the region. (Minority Communities: +23%; Low-Income Residents: +23%; Zero-Car Households: +18%).
15-Minute Service Access
The redesigned network increases frequent bus service (every 15 minutes or less) from 5 to 18 key corridors (Minority Communities: +232%; Low-Income Residents: +202%; Zero-Car Households: +152%).
30-Minute Service Access
Minority Communities and Zero-Car Households will see a +45% increase in access to near 30-minute bus service, while Low-Income Residents will see a +39% increase.