FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2026
100 DAYS TO LAUNCH: MARTA’S NEXTGEN BUS NETWORK
TO BRING SMARTER, FASTER, BETTER BUS SERVICE
Nearly Every Bus Route to Change April 18
ATLANTA – 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.
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, as nearly every
route in the system will change. Key improvements include:
- More Frequent Routes: The
network will feature 15-minute service frequency in 17 corridors,
alongside frequency increases across many other routes.
- Simpler 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 offer the
same frequency on weekends as they do on weekdays, providing reliable
service for those who travel every day of the week.
The NextGen Bus Network
will also help to drive regional growth by significantly expanding access to
jobs throughout the Metro Atlanta region. By improving service frequency and
efficiency, MARTA will connect riders to 75 percent more jobs on high-frequency
service that runs 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.
"Know Before You
Go" Outreach Timeline
To ensure a smooth
transition, MARTA has launched an extensive outreach campaign to help customers
navigate the changes:
- February: MARTA
will host community open houses across the region to provide personalized
trip-planning assistance.
- March – April: Transit
Ambassadors will be deployed to rail station bus loops and high-traffic
stops to educate customers and starting April 18, help them navigate the
new routes.
To check your specific
route or learn more about the NextGen Bus Network and MARTA Reach, visit www.itsmarta.com/nextgen. Customers may also contact MARTA Customer
Service at 404-848-5000 or custserv@itsmarta.com.
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