The proposed Redefining the Ride Phase 1 efficiency enhancements are planned to be implemented by Spring 2025, if the ATL Board directs to staff to move forward with detailed route level planning at its August 1, 2024 meeting. The Phase 2 and Phase 3 recommendations from the study are planned to be implemented thereafter in subsequent years if new funding can be identified by ATL for these purposes.

Please refer to the Redefining the Ride webpage to view the current proposed route, park-and-ride, and bus stop changes. It can be accessed using this link, Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0 | Xpress (xpressga.com). It is important to keep in mind that these recommendations are at the system level and detailed operational plans for specific route alignments and trip times will be further analyzed in subsequent planning activities. In this current analysis, Civic Center MARTA Station was determined to be the primary transfer location downtown as it will connect riders to MARTA’s Red and Gold rail lines, as well as other regional and shuttle bus services. These lines provide frequent rail service to MARTA’s stations at Arts Center, Midtown, North Avenue, Peachtree Center, and Five Points, as well as access to MARTA’s Blue and Green rail lines, bus network, and many other locations.

The general experience in the transit industry is that service changes, especially reductions, may create challenges for customers that result in ridership declines initially. ATL staff recognize that the proposed Redefining the Ride Phase 1 efficiency changes will likely result in an initial decline in ridership as riders adjust to the modified services. However, after an adjustment period, ridership typically will grow again, which has been ATL’s experience for prior service changes, as well.

At the time of the analyses completed for the Redefining the Ride plan, the project team used the most current ridership, route performance, and park-and-ride utilization statistics available from ATL to assess overall Xpress services. The assessment considered a wide range of performance factors to develop proposed recommendations for efficiency-driven service changes that would better match service supply to current demand.

As a public agency, the ATL must strive to be a good steward of public funds. This is a key reason why the Redefining the Ride study focused on service effectiveness and efficiency—to ensure that Xpress service supply appropriately supports existing demand, and resources are used economically. This has become even more critical for the agency as the State Legislature cut $4 million from the ATL budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The savings from the service changes will help ease the impact of this budget reduction.

The current estimate is that implementation of the reverse commute service described in Phase 2 would cost between $3M and $3.5M annually.  However, it is important to point out that this is only an initial estimate, and a number of factors will impact it, including detailed route and schedule planning as well as provisions of the contract with ATL’s service provider.

The Redefining the Ride plan did not examine nor propose any changes to the current Xpress fare structure, so it is expected to remain as it is today. However, as noted for the previous question, the transfer policies associated with the current fare structures for Xpress and MARTA will require riders to have passes for both services or pay the initial cash fare in each direction. Since this could result in an increase in a patron’s daily fare cost, ATL and MARTA are coordinating on how best to address this issue so that Xpress riders can transfer in both directions more easily and not see a fare increase.

The current fare structures for Xpress and MARTA already accommodate free transfers between the express bus service and rail in each direction (to downtown and then back to home). However, this would require the rider to have passes for both services (or pay the initial cash fare in each direction), which could result in an increase in cost for travel each day. However, ATL staff already are working with MARTA to figure out how best to address this issue with their respective fare structures so that Xpress riders can transfer in both directions more easily and not see an increase in their daily fare cost.

The Redefining the Ride plan’s proposed recommendations are intended to improve existing Xpress services for patrons of all abilities. ATL will continue to ensure appropriate accessibility, safety, and security for all of its patrons, including riders with disabilities.

The Redefining the Ride study included in-depth analysis of the Xpress routes and park-and-ride lots, as well as an assessment of the characteristics of the service area in which Xpress operates. Though many metrics and analyses were utilized, given the focus on improving effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability of service, ridership levels on routes and utilization levels at park-and-ride lots were used to highlight those routes and lots that required resolution. As recommendations were made to consolidate routes and eliminate lots in Phase 1, an attempt was made to maintain the existing network coverage to the greatest extent possible. Subsequently, if additional resources become available, the implementation of the Phase 2 and 3 improvements will further enhance the functionality and connectivity of the modified network.

The ATL has been coordinating with its regional transit partners during the development of the Redefining the Ride plan. CobbLinc and Ride Gwinnett both were involved in the initial analysis process for the plan as ATL seeks to avoid service duplication. They also have had opportunities to review the plan’s proposed modifications. MARTA also has been involved in the review of the proposed service changes, including potential locations and considerations for logical transfer stops at its rail stations where Xpress buses may connect. This transit partner coordination will continue into and through the detailed service planning and implementation of any of the proposed plan changes in the future.

The intent of the Redefining the Ride plan is to ensure that the modified Xpress services still accommodate current demand, as well as provide room for ridership growth in the coming years. The full route-level details of the operating component of the plan have not yet been finalized as ATL first sought to conduct outreach on the proposed system-level plan. Once the ATL Board takes action on the plan, a full route-level operating plan will be developed and is expected to address service times, schedules, and frequency that will help further improve overall service reliability. Before any route-level service changes are implemented, a more detailed plan will be presented publicly for additional consideration and input.

The full details of the systemwide components of the Redefining the Ride plan have not yet been finalized as ATL first desired to get rider, public, and stakeholder input on the key proposed service change components of the plan. Once the ATL Board takes action on the plan, a full route-level plan will be developed that is expected to address service span, route schedules, and frequency to improve on-time performance and overall service reliability. Before any service changes are implemented, the route-level plan will be presented publicly for additional consideration and input.

fgdfgdf

Most of the park-and-ride lots slated for elimination due to poor utilization are leased lots. The two state-owned lots that the Redefining the Ride plan recommends to no longer be served by Xpress are Hickory Grove and Jonesboro. ATL will work with our transit partners to determine if there is another transit-related use for these lots.

Should Phase 2 be implemented at some point in the future, the routes proposed for reverse commute service will act as bidirectional routes providing service from downtown stops and MARTA stations back out to the areas surrounding existing Xpress park-and-ride lots.

To help improve efficiency and reliability, as well as reduce the current number of stops in Downtown and Midtown (many of which have no ridership), Civic Center was determined to be the primary transfer location, especially as it will connect riders to MARTA’s Red and Gold rail lines. These lines provide rail service to all North and South line MARTA’s stations, as well as transfer access to the Blue and Green rail lines and numerous MARTA bus routes. Though many Downtown and Midtown Xpress stops have been proposed to be eliminated, a key focus of the study was to ensure ongoing access to major trip generators and locations with high ridership. Please refer to the Redefining the Ride webpage to view the proposed route changes [Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0 | Xpress (xpressga.com)].

Transit agencies universally utilize productivity metrics that consider both overall performance (including out-of-service travel, known as deadheading) and performance while operating in revenue service (that is, while the bus is open to carry passengers). ATL also measures performance of its Xpress services in this fashion. The Redefining the Ride study focused on improving the efficiency revenue service which has the inherent benefit of also reducing deadhead mileage. Reverse commute recommendations focused on opportunities to serve the suburban employment as an opportunity to increase ridership. It also is expected that the route-level operating plan will have enhanced schedules for the Xpress routes that will help further address this issue.

ATL staff already have begun discussing the need for transition/education support for current and new Xpress patrons to help them adjust to the proposed Redefining the Ride Phase 1 changes, once they have been approved for implementation. Various resources will be considered for use to help educate the riding public on the specific changes, including how to transfer between modes at MARTA rail stations. ATL will coordinate this support with MARTA. Additionally, ATL will work with Georgia Commute Options to help riders find other commute options if new service patterns do not fit their travel requirements.

It is recognized that service changes, especially reductions, may create challenges for customers that can drive ridership declines initially. This has happened before related to prior Xpress service changes, so it is anticipated with this plan’s proposed changes, as well. The general experience, however, is that after an adjustment period ridership typically grows again as existing and new riders get used to the changes. ATL will continually monitor the performance of the system and adjust service levels to match demand as budgetary constraints allow.

The proposed Xpress service recommendations are not intended to impact current riders significantly. However, it is recognized that some may experience increased levels of inconvenience (e.g., having to drive to a different park-and-ride lot or having to transfer to MARTA to complete a trip) because of the proposed changes. Xpress patrons who experience more significant challenges to their commute should contact ATL customer service to see what other options are available. It may be possible for them to utilize other regional transit services operated by CobbLinc, MARTA, or Ride Gwinnett. There also may be some vanpooling or carpooling options to consider, which can be identified through Georgia Commute Options.

The ATL is confident in the reliability and user-friendliness of its app and will ensure that it will facilitate transfers to MARTA appropriately. As it stands today, as long as a valid Xpress Green Zone or Blue Zone fare is paid at the start of a trip, a transfer will be added to allow MARTA boarding. Regarding prior customer experience with the app charging incorrect zone fares, these issues are not the norm and should be reported to customer service.

ATL will continue to work with MARTA to ensure appropriate accessibility for its patrons to make convenient and timely connections between Xpress services and MARTA rail stations. MARTA continually seeks to enhance its customers’ experience at its stations through its Station Management Program. More information about this program can be found at https://www.itsmarta.com/station-management.aspx.

The ATL has conducted public education about Xpress over the years to help promote the service. There has been collaboration with local colleges and universities, Transportation Management Associations (TMAs), and local Community Improvement Districts (CIDs). The agency has collaborated with Georgia Public Broadcasting Network (GPB), Georgia High School Football Championship Games, Comcast Cable, and county public access channels to provide vital information about Xpress. ATL staff have also held webinars and virtual chats with the Chief of Transit and promoted the State Employees Commuter Assistance Program (SECAP) and Commuter Credits programs. Several communications campaigns have also promoted Xpress in the last couple of years to increase ridership after the pandemic.

ATL’s Redefining the Ride webpage [Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0 | Xpress (xpressga.com)] provides useful information about the proposed route and park-and-ride changes. The ATL Board will be considering the proposed plan for adoption at its August meeting. If the plan is approved for implementation, ATL’s next step will be to prepare a more detailed route-level operating plan to help guide the implementation process. Thereafter, ATL will develop additional information and educational materials to keep existing patrons informed of the planned route-level changes, as well as the schedule for implementation of the phases. The best way for riders and stakeholders to stay informed now and throughout the ongoing process is through the ATL Redefining the Ride webpage.

As noted previously, a full operating plan will be developed once the ATL Board takes action on the Redefining the Ride plan. The operating plan is expected to address service span, route schedules, and frequency that will help improve on-time performance and overall service reliability. It is expected that this also will include specific scheduling to account for MARTA rail schedules so that transfer wait times will be minimized as much as possible for patrons.

Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0 is a regional study launched by The Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority (ATL) in 2023 to reimagine the Xpress Bus system. The study aims to evaluate commuter travel patterns and identify service changes to better match commuter demands.

Current Xpress ridership is 30% of pre-pandemic ridership. These proposed system recommendations explore opportunities 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 Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0 proposed recommendations reimagines the Xpress system to better match actual usage and improve overall efficiency.

The proposed system recommendations outline a three-phased approach to improve Xpress service efficiency and expand rider options through reverse commutes and new markets.

– Phase I streamlines commuter trips, maximizes key park-and-ride lots, and updates bus stops and connections to MARTA rail stations to improve efficiency. This phase includes reducing and merging underutilized routes and park-and-ride lots and adjusting routes to end at various MARTA rail stations, enabling passengers to transfer to rail stations for the remainder of their commute.

– Phase II introduces reverse commutes, allowing trips from downtown Atlanta to seven suburban destinations and utilizing empty buses to serve major employment centers outside the perimeter. It also includes seven new market routes to enhance east-west regional coverage and connect unserved Metro Atlanta employment centers and transfer locations.

– Phase III explores adding new markets to enhance east-west regional coverage to major in-person employment centers (IPECs) and transfer locations. This additional coverage will provide new connections to areas with identified IPECs, such as Fulton Industrial Boulevard, Town Center/Big Shanty, College Park/HJAIA, Perimeter Center, Alpharetta, and Marietta.

A reverse commute involves traveling against the typical rush hour traffic flow from an urban area like Downtown Atlanta to suburbs or business parks for work. This approach makes efficient use of buses that would otherwise be empty, providing more travel options and a more integrated transit experience for riders. This includes transfer points that facilitate easier and quicker transfers between other operators. It also ensures that direct rides to Downtown Atlanta and Perimeter Center are maintained. For Xpress service, incorporating reverse commutes means we can better utilize our transit capacity, offer additional connections, and expand our ridership by catering to commuters traveling from downtown areas to suburban job locations.

Some routes may be merged or adjusted to ensure more direct and frequent service to key destinations. Additionally, underutilized routes may be modified or discontinued to allocate resources more effectively. These changes seek to enhance the reliability and convenience of the Xpress service and provide better connections and travel options for our riders. For more information about recommendations for specific routes, visit https://xpressga.com/routes.

Yes, changes are proposed to optimize the use of key park-and-ride lots. Underutilized locations may be taken offline or merged to better serve high-demand areas. These changes aim to improve overall service efficiency and provide better connections to major transit hubs and destinations. For more details on specific park-and-ride recommendations, visit https://xpressga.com/system-map.

No. Currently, there is no plan to increase fares for Xpress customers if the system recommendations are implemented.

The key goals of the proposed system recommendations include improving regional Xpress service, identifying service solutions to address new travel patterns and commutes, and offering efficient and convenient routes to attract and serve new and existing customers.

The proposed system recommendations are designed to complement and enhance other transit services like MARTA. They aim to improve connections and coordination between Xpress routes and MARTA rail and bus services, creating a more integrated transit experience. This includes more efficient transfer points for easier and quicker transfers, enhancing overall convenience for riders.

While the system recommendations have streamlined bus stops, proposed changes also provide increased access to MARTA’s rail stations – connecting riders to even more destinations with a free transfer.

The proposed system recommendations are currently being shared with the public and Xpress customers. Feedback received from the public will help refine the draft recommendation that will be presented to the ATL board for consideration and possible adoption. Stay informed by subscribing to the Xpress newsletter and visiting Xpressga.com.

Click here to take a brief survey and share your thoughts to help shape the future of our Xpress service.

Your feedback is crucial in shaping the final Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0 plan. We will review all input to understand the needs and preferences of our riders and stakeholders. This will help us refine and adjust the proposed changes to better serve our community, ensuring the final plan is inclusive, comprehensive and effective in enhancing our transit system.

The timeline for implementing the recommendations is still being finalized. Once approved, there will be opportunities for public input on proposed changes to each route at least six weeks before any service changes go into effect. Specific details about any changes will be communicated early and frequently to ensure riders have enough time to review and provide feedback, allowing for a smooth transition to the new service improvements.