The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will officially launch MARTA Reach, a sophisticated on-demand transit service designed to provide flexible, point-to-point shared rides in 12 zones in metro Atlanta on March 7.
An important part of the Authority’s NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will bring transit service directly to the rider’s location and offer a seamless link to the broader rail and bus system.
Residents can request a ride through the MARTA Reach app or the reservation line, which provides a 30-minute or less pickup window. The service runs 18 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring that whether a rider is commuting to work or traveling within their own neighborhood, MARTA is ready when they are.
“MARTA Reach represents a fundamental shift in how we serve our communities,” said MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt. “By integrating on-demand technology into our NextGen Bus Network, we are providing a ‘first-mile, last-mile’ solution that makes transit more accessible, efficient, and more personal for our customers.”
MARTA Reach is launching in 12 distinct zones: West Atlanta, Kirkwood/Candler Park, County Line, Lakewood, Oakley Industrial, Fulton Industrial, East Point, Hillandale, Candler-McAfee/Belvedere Park, Cedar Grove, Gresham Park, and North Fulton. Within these areas, riders can travel curb-to-curb or connect directly to MARTA’s fixed-route bus and rail systems.
Also, to ensure the launch continued as scheduled, and despite a nationwide USDOT manufacturer recall on the permanent Dodge Ram ProMaster vehicle fleet, MARTA has successfully deployed a fleet of leased Ford StarCraft vans.
While these vehicles are fully ADA-accessible and equipped with two wheelchair slots, customers should note that the temporary vehicles use a wheelchair lift rather than a ramp and, unlike the permanent fleet, will not be equipped with bike racks. Bicycles will be allowed on MARTA Reach once the permanent vehicles are cleared for service.
Additionally, to help everyone get acquainted with the service, MARTA Reach is free to ride from March 7 until March 28.
Once the better Breeze fare payment system goes live on March 28, the MARTA Reach fare will be $2.50, the same as standard bus and rail service. This fare includes four free transfers for customers using the Breeze system, which will soon support contactless tap-to-pay options via bank cards and mobile wallets.
To begin using the service, customers are encouraged to download the MARTA Reach app in the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. Customers may also call the reservation line at 404-848-6622 beginning Saturday, March 7.
The reservation line will be available seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
