ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s first bus rapid transit line will launch in two phases, with the first phase beginning Saturday, April 18, as part of the NextGen Bus Network.
The five-mile Rapid A-Line connects Downtown Atlanta to Capitol Gateway, Summerhill, Peoplestown, and the Beltline’s Southside Trail, with connections to MARTA’s heavy rail system at Five Points, Georgia State, and Garnett Stations.
Since its groundbreaking, the project has faced challenges, including the discovery of existing infrastructure during excavation and a battery recall affecting the New Flyer battery-electric buses purchased to operate on the line. These unforeseen circumstances have delayed completion of all 14 BRT stations and may require supplemental vehicles to provide initial service.
When Phase 1 launches, it will operate from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.
In areas where construction is complete, buses will operate in dedicated lanes with transit signal priority. In areas under construction, temporary bus stops located near stations will be used.
Information about how to ride the new line, including detailed station and temporary stop locations and better Breeze fare payment instructions, will be shared soon.
Phase 2 of the launch is scheduled for fall, when all BRT stations are complete. The BRT stations feature offboard fare payment via the new, improved Breeze system, real-time service information, level boarding, and other amenities typically found at rail stations.
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