MARTA expands on-demand ride-share pilot to more cities across Georgia

Credit: Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), in partnership with Georgia Tech, has announced the expansion of MARTA Reach, its six-month ride-share pilot service designed to connect riders to-and-from MARTA bus and rail services.

The pilot, which is testing how on-demand shuttles can be used to make it easier and faster for customers to get to their destinations using MARTA, will be expanded to include the neighbourhood of Dixie Hills in Atlanta, and the cities of Avondale Estates, Alpharetta, Roswell, Forest Park and Morrow.

“We have seen significant interest and loyalty from the early riders of MARTA Reach,” said MARTA Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen. “Most of our riders take many trips a day, connecting to grocery stores, schools and day care, social activities and the broader MARTA system. We’re thrilled at the opportunity to expand the programme to serve more riders in more parts of our region for the second half of the pilot.”

MARTA Reach: Keeping customers connected to public transport

“The North Fulton CID is excited to welcome the MARTA Reach Pilot Program to North Fulton,” said Executive Director Brandon Beach. “This programme has proven its effectiveness in other areas of Metro Atlanta, and we look forward to our members, businesses, and residents receiving the benefits of the programme.” 

In order to order a ride, customers need to download the MARTA Reach app, which will guide them to designated pick-up and drop-off stops near the beginning or end of their trip. If a customer’s desired stop is not shown, additional stop locations can be requested in the app. Riders who do not have a smartphone can call the authority’s customer service to request a ride. All MARTA Reach vehicles are wheelchair and pram accessible.

The pilot programme debuted at the start of March 2022 in West Atlanta, Belvedere, and the Gillem Logistics Center. The service runs from 06:00 until 19:00 Monday to Friday, and is a ride-sharing service, meaning other passengers may be picked up and dropped off during a trip.