Biggest Changes Since Authority Was Founded

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | June 12, 2025

The MARTA Board of Directors has approved a bold redesign of the region’s entire bus system. Called the NextGen Bus Network, it’s the most significant overhaul since MARTA began.

The new plan, set to launch in late 2025, promises to revolutionize bus service across metro Atlanta. It’s designed to be faster, simpler, and more reliable, with over 100 routes restructured to serve a larger number of people and better connect them to jobs, hospitals, and grocery stores.

“This is a major step toward a more equitable and rider-focused transit system,” said MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood. “It’s built from the voices of the people we serve.”

Key Changes

• Frequent service routes will increase from 5 to 17.
• The 20-minute service will be expanded to 11 routes.
• Twelve new on-demand zones will be added for flexible trips.
• Every route will run seven days a week.
• Bus routes will be simplified from 113 to 81.
• Riders will benefit from more frequent, reliable, and easier-to-understand service.

MARTA says the new plan will triple the number of people with access to frequent service—defined as buses arriving every 15 minutes or less. More people will live near transit that runs every 30 minutes or better.

Who Benefits?

The redesign is a testament to MARTA’s commitment to equity, ensuring that all residents, regardless of their location or income, have access to improved transit services.

• +6% more people will live near a MARTA bus stop.
• +11% increase in minority residents near transit.
• +7% increase in low-income residents served.
• +22% more jobs reachable within 60 minutes.
• +31% more hospitals reachable in an hour.

The plan also makes it easier to transfer between routes. New transfer points will feature scheduled connections and upgraded stops.

Built on Public Feedback

The plan took four years of planning. MARTA held more than 60 public meetings and gathered over 15,000 survey responses. Community voices played a key role, especially from low-income and minority neighborhoods.

What’s Next?

With the board’s final approval, MARTA will now begin to prepare for the official launch in late 2025.

To learn more and view new route maps, visit martanextgenbusnetwork.com

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