MARTA's NextGen Bus Network Launches April 18, Bringing Biggest Overhaul in Decades

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

ATLANTA — In eight days, MARTA riders will step onto an entirely reimagined bus system. The agency’s NextGen Bus Network, set to launch on April 18, 2026, represents the most comprehensive redesign of Atlanta’s bus routes since the 1970s — and transit officials say the changes will reshape how hundreds of thousands of commuters move through the city.

More Buses, More Often

At the heart of the overhaul is a dramatic expansion of high-frequency service. Under the current network, only five corridors offer buses arriving every 15 minutes or better. When the NextGen network goes live, that number triples to 17 high-frequency corridors, blanketing more of the city with service that riders can count on without needing to consult a schedule.

MARTA Reach Rolls Out On-Demand Service Across 12 Metro Atlanta Zones

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 08:30:00 -0500

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority launched MARTA Reach on Friday, a new on-demand, curb-to-curb microtransit service operating across 12 designated zones in metro Atlanta. The service is designed to close persistent first-and-last-mile gaps that have long kept riders from connecting efficiently to the region’s rail and bus network.

How It Works

MARTA Reach operates through a fleet of branded shuttle vans that pick up and drop off riders within defined service zones. Passengers can request a shared ride through the MARTA Reach mobile app, the agency’s website, or by calling a dedicated phone line. The system uses dynamic routing software to bundle nearby trip requests, optimizing vehicle paths in real time.

Nextgen on WACN 21 News

MARTA's NextGen Bus Network Launches April 18, Bringing Biggest Overhaul in Decades

More Buses, More Often

MARTA Reach Rolls Out On-Demand Service Across 12 Metro Atlanta Zones

How It Works