MARTA releases finalized NextGen bus network schedules ahead of launch

ATLANTA — MARTA on Wednesday released its finalized NextGen bus routes and schedules ahead of the revamped system launch on April 18.

MARTA has touted NextGen as the “largest and most comprehensive redesign” for the bus lines since the 1970s.

In a release on Wednesday, the transit agency pointed riders to its Trip Planner website to get familiarized with the new service. The schedules that go into effect April 18 are also available at this link.

“We are excited to reach this milestone and provide our riders with the tools they need to navigate the new network,” said MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt in a statement. “The NextGen Bus Network is a generational change for transit in Atlanta. By tripling the number of routes with 15-minute frequency, and ensuring that is consistent all day, not just during rush hour, we are delivering a bus network that is smarter, faster, and more reliable for all our customers.”

The benefits of the network, according to MARTA, will be “consistent service 7-days-a-week,” more direct and efficient service and 12 additional MARTA Reach zones with new on-demand service.

The agency is also tripling its number of “frequent” buss corridors, to 17, putting nearly three times as many residents near frequent bus lines, and “strategically timed bus transfers” for shorter waits.

The process for redesigning the network began back in 2021. An overview of new route profiles, as well as a find your route tool, is available at this page.

The overall redesign cuts the total number of routes from 113 to 81, but MARTA says it is not cutting service — “many of the routes in the NextGen Network will be more direct serving more locations and have buses coming more often.”

The $2.50 MARTA bus fare will not change, the agency says.