Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0

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Xpress Service Changes Begin June 16, 2025

Based on the recent planning study called Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0, public input, and subsequent analyses, the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Board adopted final service changes on April 3, 2025. These service changes will affect all Xpress routes and will take effect beginning Monday, June 16, 2025.

The purpose of Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0 was to align Xpress bus service with current demand and promote overall efficiency. Proposed service plans were developed in the summer of 2024 and refined in the spring of 2025, and a final service plan was adopted April 3, 2025. As part of the final 30-day public comment period, a virtual public meeting was held on January 15, 2025, an in-person public hearing was held on February 11, 2025, and public comments were accepted January 13 through February 12, 2025. ATL reviewed input and comments and completed final service plan changes, which are incorporated in the final service plan that will take effect June 16, 2025.

The ATL hosted a virtual public meeting on May 21 to review the planned changes for June 16.

To view the virtual public meeting, please click the link below:

About the Xpress Service Changes

With ridership remaining at 30% of pre-pandemic levels, Xpress currently provides more service than is utilized. These changes are aimed at improving the efficiency of Xpress service and available funding.

The final service plan includes:

Adjusting and eliminating underutilized routes and park-and-ride lots to align with current demand patterns
Redesigning routes to more efficiently serve major corridors
Adjusting routes to end at MARTA rail stations to improve productivity and reliability

The systemwide recommendations are summarized below. They include:

13 Xpress routes proposed to be discontinued
9 Xpress park-and-rides proposed for closure
MARTA proposed as the terminal for two corridors

Total number of trips proposed to be reduced by 50-75%, depending on the corridor.

The final service plan by each corridor, including the final route schedules, may also be viewed by clicking on the button below the system map.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Overview

What is Redefining the Ride - Xpress 2.0?

Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0 is a recently completed regional study that was launched by the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority (ATL) in 2023 to reimagine the Xpress system. The study evaluated commuter travel patterns and identified service change recommendations to better match commuter demand. The key goals of the service change recommendations include increasing the efficiency of Xpress service, minimizing customer impacts where possible, and ensuring efficient use of available funding.

When will the Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0 service plan be finalized? What is the timeline for the implementation of these Xpress service changes? How much notice will be given to riders about the changes?

The public comment period was from January 13-February 12, 2025. Feedback received from the public helped refine the final service plan that was adopted by the ATL board on April 3, 2025. Service changes, including potential park-and-ride lot closures and route modifications, will begin on June 16, 2025.

Riders will be notified via email, seat drops, and postings at the park-and-ride lots in the weeks leading up to service changes.

Stay informed by subscribing to the Xpress newsletter and visiting www.Xpressga.com.

Why is Xpress making changes to the service? Why has the state reduced the Xpress budget?

Current Xpress ridership is 30% of pre-pandemic ridership. As a result, the state has reduced the Xpress budget to reflect the decreased ridership demand. These service changes are intended to create a more efficient and effective service. Operating 27 bus routes, 27 park-and-ride lots, and 55 bus stops, Xpress is currently providing far more service than is being utilized. The updated Xpress bus system plan is intended to better match actual usage and improve overall efficiency.

Will Xpress lose riders with these changes?

ATL acknowledges that any significant service changes may lead to some short-term loss of ridership. However, ATL is committed to making these adjustments as thoughtfully as possible, balancing our resources with the needs of our community. Our goal is to maintain a system that is as convenient and customer-friendly as possible within the constraints in which we operate.

Where did travel time estimates come from?

Travel time estimates are primarily based on observed bus travel times during the Fall 2024 service period. For new route segments that do not currently have service today, travel times were estimated based on observed bus speeds for similar roadway segments and modified based on general traffic and speed condition data obtained through publicly available sources. Generally, ATL utilized conservative run time estimates to ensure the proposed routes can achieve a high level of reliability.

Where did ridership numbers come from? Will ridership data be released?

Xpress collects daily ridership information based on boardings and alightings by route, trip, and stop. Xpress’s publicly available ridership information can be found from the National Transit Database.

Decision-Making and Public Input

How were the final service changes selected? Has the public been consulted prior to these proposed changes?

Redefining the Ride—Xpress 2.0 is a two-part study that started in 2023. The first portion included three stakeholder discussion workshops for the public in 2024. The study also utilized three online surveys that targeted the general public, major employers, and employees. The surveys were active between July and October 2024.

The second portion of the study proposed service changes that were developed using a combination of public input from the first portion of the study as well as an analysis of commuter travel patterns and overall passenger demand. Changes were suggested to achieve the key goals of the plan, which are to increase the efficiency of Xpress service, minimize customer impacts where possible, and ensure efficient use of available funding. The study primarily identified low-performing routes and underutilized park-and-ride lots for proposed discontinuation or closure.

The final service plan was developed by refining the proposed service plans based on feedback received during the 30-day public comment period in early 2025. In addition, partnerships with CobbLinc and Ride Gwinnett helped shape the final service plan.

Why are you increasing the time between buses? Will the frequency of morning or afternoon trips also be impacted? Why is the morning or afternoon service starting or ending so soon?

The time between buses will increase due to low utilization of existing trips and ensure efficient use of available funds. As a result, some spans of service for routes may also shorten during the AM and PM service periods due to low ridership. The morning and afternoon service hours were selected to align with the service span preferences identified in prior public engagement efforts and by existing ridership surveys.

How many people have to ride for my service not to change?

While there is no definitive answer for preventing a service change, the ATL utilizes its Xpress Service Standards to guide service planning and deployment. These Service Standards provide benchmarks to measure Xpress service, such as a minimum of 17 passengers per trip for routes that have operated at least four years. If routes or trips do not meet the adopted Service Standards, the ATL may modify service to better align service levels and adhere to its Service Standards.

Did ATL consider other alternatives to the service changes to make up for the budget shortfall? Possible options include: increasing fares, fixing fareboxes, using smaller or more cost-effective vehicles (shuttle vans, electric buses), advertising more prominently with a focus on large employers, using a Monday/Friday and Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday schedule)

ATL did not consider increasing riders’ fares or alternative vehicle types as part of the Redefining the Ride Phase 1 implementation. However, ATL will continue to evaluate other cost-saving options, such as using more cost-effective vehicles, for future phases. The ATL has incorporated using a Monday/Friday and Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday schedule as part of the Phase 1 implementation.

Why are some trips only available from Tuesdays to Thursdays?

Like many transit agencies, the ATL is facing low ridership and budget challenges that require us to align our service with ridership patterns. Our data shows that most riders use Xpress routes on Tuesdays through Thursdays rather than Mondays and Fridays. By implementing Monday/Friday and Tuesday-Thursday schedules for routes, we can continue serving the most people in the most efficient way possible.

Why do some corridors have more route and park-and-ride reductions than others?

ATL maintained a minimum of three morning and three afternoon trips per corridor, with additional trips added to corridors based on passenger demand and available funding. The 85-North and 75-North corridors also received additional service due to agreements between ATL and Ride Gwinnett and CobbLinc, respectively, to operate all commuter services under Xpress. The ATL is open to other jurisdictional partnerships and agreements to provide additional Xpress service along other corridors.

Service Impacts

How will the service changes impact current Xpress routes?

Service changes in this plan include less frequent service on some routes, the closure of some park-and-ride lots, and transfers to MARTA on some routes. Current riders may need to find an alternate Xpress bus trip time, use an alternative park-and-ride lot, and/or transfer between Xpress and MARTA to reach their final destination.

Will there be any changes to the park-and-ride lots?

Yes, some park-and-ride lots will close to better align Xpress service with current demand. Impacted riders will need to use a different park-and-ride location.

It appears that several Downtown/Midtown Atlanta stops have been recommended for elimination in the proposed service plan. How will this impact my commute?

In response to rider feedback, the ATL will maintain service at a majority of stops in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta. An interactive map showing the stops along each route in the final service plan can be found here.

What stops in Midtown and Downtown will be preserved? What stops will afternoon routes service?

An interactive map showing all stops along each route in the final service plan can be found here.

In Midtown, AM (inbound) service will drop-off along West Peachtree St from Civic Center to Arts Center Station MARTA stations. PM (outbound) service will pick-up along West Peachtree St from Civic Center to Arts Center MARTA stations and along Spring St from Arts Center to Civic Center MARTA stations.

In Downtown, AM (inbound) service will primarily drop-off along Mitchell St and Peachtree Center Ave, while PM (outbound) service will primarily pick-up along Courtland St and MLK Jr Dr.

Gwinnett commuter bus routes currently run more frequently than Xpress. How will Xpress successfully consolidate with Gwinnett Commuter routes with lower frequencies? Will Xpress provide a similar “sweeper” service later at night?

ATL coordinated with Ride Gwinnett staff throughout the Redefining the Ride implementation process to determine the appropriate level of service for the 85-North corridor. In the process, it was determined that additional sweeper service will not be included as part of this service plan.

Will these changes improve bus punctuality and consistency?

ATL is evaluating current bus travel times as part of the service adjustment in effort to improve on-time performance.

Implementation

What happens if the bus is full or if a bus breaks down? Will there be an overflow bus?

ATL expects that vehicle utilization will increase with the implementation of the new service plan. ATL will continue to monitor vehicles for standing loads and adjust, as possible, per Xpress Service Standards, to avoid leaving passengers behind.

If an Xpress bus is at capacity or does not show, passengers can take advantage of Georgia Commute Options’ Guaranteed Ride Home Program. Through the program, Xpress customers can receive up to 5 free rides per year for emergency uses. Find more information about the service at https://gacommuteoptions.com/commuters/guaranteed-ride-home/.

Are passengers allowed to stand? Will there be a contingency plan for disabled passengers who aren't in wheelchairs but can’t stand to be guaranteed a seat?

Passengers are allowed to stand on Xpress coaches if no seats are available. Xpress Service Standards allow up to 15 standees per bus, in accordance with vehicle capacity limits, and stipulate that standing loads should not occur on routes or trips more than once per week.

To ensure compliance with these standards, preserving safety and comfort, ATL will review Xpress route and trip load factors on an ongoing basis and adjust schedules up to twice per year to mitigate overcrowding.

If no seats are available, please allow the elderly, pregnant, or disabled to sit first and stand near the rear of the coach.

Will the MyXpress app be updated by June 16th to reflect the new bus ETA for the pickup stops?

Yes, the MyXpress app will be updated by June 16^th to reflect the new bus routes and schedules. The routes, schedules, and maps on the Xpress website will also be updated by June 16^th to reflect the new service plan.

Does Xpress have any rules that riders are expected to follow onboard, especially now that buses will likely be more crowded?

According to Xpress’ Commuter Code of Conduct, passengers are expected to uphold the following guidelines:

If you must use your cell phone, please speak quietly.
Wear headphones when using portable music and gaming devices.
Speak quietly when conversing with other passengers.
Use overhead bins and under-carriage storage bins for carry-on items.
Priority seating at the front of each bus should be given to elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers.
Avoid speaking to the operator while he or she is driving.
Sit, rather than stand, when seating is available.
Use signal to alert operator when ready to disembark the coach.
Take all your belongings with you when you depart, including trash and newspapers.
Do not vandalize buses. Violators will be prosecuted.

Fares

How do I make a free transfer between Xpress and MARTA? How do I make a transfer if I store rides on my Breeze card, have a monthly pass, or have my employer pay my Xpress bus fare? How will Xpress handle transfers if onboard fareboxes are not working?

You must use a Breeze card with a stored cash value to earn the free transfer between Xpress and MARTA. Once you tap your Breeze card on an Xpress coach or MARTA, a free transfer will automatically be loaded, and you will have 3 hours to transfer to the other service for free.

ATL strives to maintain fareboxes and will notify the Operations team of any reported maintenance needs. If the fare box is not operating, passengers will not be charged while riding Xpress and only if they are using MARTA.

Will fares increase? Will fares decrease for customers on truncated routes?

No. Based on the current service plan, there are no plans to increase or decrease fares for Xpress customers.

How do I purchase fares?

Xpress park-and-rides are classified as either Green or Blue Zone, depending on their location. Park-and-ride locations further away from Atlanta are in the Blue Zone, while those locations closer to Atlanta are in the Green Zone.

One-way fares are the only Xpress product that can be purchased with cash. Fares are purchased on the coach and must use exact change. Breeze cards can be purchased at a breeze kiosk at any MARTA rail station, online at www.breezecard.com, or through the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app.

To learn more about Xpress fare zones and offerings, please visit the passes page.

How will fares at park-and-rides in different colored zones on the same route be collected? What is the fare at each park-and-ride?

Your fare is determined by which park-and-ride location you board from, regardless of which route you take. All of our drivers are trained to ensure you’re charged the correct fare based on your boarding zone. Each route’s specific fare can be found on its route page. Additionally, you can find the fare zones for each park-and-ride on the passes page.

Additional Support

Will the guaranteed ride home program still be available?

Yes, the guaranteed ride program through Georgia Commute Options will still be available after this service plan is implemented. Xpress customers can receive up to 5 free rides per year for emergency uses, so that when unscheduled events require you to leave work early or stay at the office late, you’ll still be able to get home or back to your car. Find more information about the service at https://gacommuteoptions.com/commuters/guaranteed-ride-home/.

Can you explain how the vanpool service works?

A vanpool is a shared transportation service where a group of commuters (typically 5-15 people) travel together in a van along similar routes, usually between residential areas and major employment centers. Participants share the monthly costs of the van lease, fuel, insurance, and maintenance, making it a cost-effective alternative to driving alone. One volunteer serves as the primary driver and is responsible for coordinating pickups, while passengers typically have designated pickup locations and set schedules.

The start and end times, along with pickup and drop-off locations for the vanpool, will vary by your group. ATL provides a regional vanpool subsidy to cover a portion of vanpool expenses. Learn more about the vanpool service at https://xpressga.com/vanpool/.

Our partners at Georgia Commute Options are running a promotion to help riders that may need more commute support in light of these changes. Those who shift to carpooling or vanpooling can also receive a $50 gift card, plus another $50 for those who step up to drive their carpool or vanpool. Get route-specific commute recommendations and access this support benefit by visiting https://gacommuteoptions.com/bus/.

Future Service Updates

Will service changes be reevaluated after they are implemented? Is there a chance that ATL would bring back any discontinued service or add additional service in the future? Can Xpress add additional service if buses are persistently overcrowded?

Following the implementation of any changes, ATL may further refine its service offerings. ATL prioritizes the safety of its passengers and will continually monitor buses for overcrowding and adjust service as necessary and as feasible. Should ridership demand increase, or additional funding sources become available, ATL will consider route and trip adjustments as feasible.

Now that the public comment period is over, what is the best way to provide feedback on Xpress service?

The best way to provide feedback on Xpress service is to contact our customer service team. You can find a web inquiry form to leave feedback at https://xpressga.com/contact. Additionally, our customer service team can be reached at 844-XPRSSGA (977-7742) on Mondays – Fridays from 5:30 am to 7:00 pm.

Does Xpress have plans on how to increase ridership?

ATL is currently implementing Phase 1 of Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0 based on existing ridership. Phase 2, which may be implemented based on future funding and resources, will be aimed at providing new service options for Xpress riders.

Was the reverse commute that was previously proposed taken out entirely? What happened to the multiple phases of the project that used to be on the website?

No, the ATL is currently implementing Phase 1 of the Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0. Phase 2, which includes reverse commute, may be implemented based on future funding availability and ridership demand.

Additional Support for Impacted Customers

Georgia Commute Options (GCO)

Georgia Commute Options (GCO) is a program managed by the Atlanta Regional Commission and funded through the Georgia Department of Transportation. They work with employers, commuters, and schools to reduce the number of single-occupant vehicles on Metro Atlanta’s roads. GCO also provides customized worksite assistance, ridematching services, and incentive programs to help commuters, employers, and schools with solutions for a better commute. Learn more at https://gacommuteoptions.com/.

Vanpool

In addition to Xpress service, the ATL offers a vanpool program operated by Commute with Enterprise, which provides a low-cost and convenient alternative for commuters. The ATL currently provides a regional vanpool subsidy to cover 40% of vanpool expenses. Find more information about vanpool programs at https://xpressga.com/vanpool/.

MARTA

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority operates transit services within City of Atlanta as well as Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton counties, including heavy rail, streetcar, and bus services. Starting June 16, Xpress Routes 401 and 453 will terminate at MARTA rail stations, allowing customers to continue their trip via MARTA rail to Downtown and Midtown Atlanta while also expanding access to other regional transit services. For more information on MARTA’s rail and bus services, visit https://itsmarta.com/.

Who to Contact for Additional Help

If this information is needed in another language, please contact the ATL at (404) 893-2100 or [email protected]

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