MARTA will launch its first bus rapid transit line in phases starting this April.
According to a media release, the Rapid A-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 will connect Downtown Atlanta to Capitol Gateway, Summerhill, Peoplestown, and the Beltline’s Southside Trail. There will be connections to the rail system at Five Points, Georgia State, and Garnett Stations.
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According to MARTA officials, the BRT project has experienced challenges, including the discovery of old infrastructure during excavation, and a battery recall on 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, the transit agency said
When Phase 1 launches on April 18, it will feature the following:
- 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. service hours.
- In areas where construction has been completed, 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 Breeze fare payment instructions, will be shared soon, according to the media release.
Phase 2 of the launch is scheduled for fall, when all BRT stations are complete. The BRT stations will feature offboard fare payment using the new Breeze system, real-time service information, level boarding, and other amenities usually associated with rail stations.