Thousands of Atlantans rely on buses daily to get to work, school, and essential services. But behind every bus stop and route is a story—stories of missed connections, long waits, and hopes for a more reliable transit system. At Propel ATL, we’re gathering those stories, canvassing bus routes across the city to capture the voices of the people who depend on public transportation the most. Their insights are shaping the future of the bus network in Atlanta, and that’s why our work matters.

Engaging with Riders, Beyond Just Data

For us, canvassing isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about engaging with community members and hearing their daily experiences on the system. These voices help us better advocate for improvements. Our goal is not only to gather quantitative data but also to build a narrative that reflects the struggles and hopes of Atlanta’s bus riders.

For example, the following rider experience drives our transit work: 

“I've missed work several times because the bus just never showed up or it was so late that I had no choice but to order an Uber. It's frustrating to depend on something that isn't reliable, especially when you're trying to make it to work on time. More buses running on schedule would really help.”

While we aimed for a specific number of survey responses per shift to reach statistical significance, listening to riders’ stories superseded quantitative targets. On a peak shift (6 AM-6 PM), our target was to talk with 30 people and gather about 8 surveys, while off-peak shifts (before 6 AM or after 6 PM) aimed for 15 people and 4 surveys. Most canvassers exceeded these targets, gathering 10-20 survey responses per shift.

Where We Canvassed

Canvassing typically starts at busy bus bays in transit stations. The number of passengers waiting makes these spots ideal for gathering feedback and understanding people’s day-to-day experiences. High-volume areas along the bus routes, such as grocery store locations, bus shelter locations, or heavily trampled dirt paths, became critical engagement points.

By canvassing almost daily for four months, we laid the foundation for meaningful improvements and ideas for the bus network redesign. The information we’ve gathered goes beyond surveys—it’s personal and speaks directly to the challenges people face while using public transportation.

Launching “The Rider’s Voice”

We value rider feedback so much that we’re excited to launch The Rider’s Voice. The Rider’s Voice is our new voicemail or text line, where bus riders can call or text to share their experiences and help us shape a better bus system. Riders simply tell us their name, the bus route they use, and describe their commute. They can also text us a photo or selfie, so we can share their story and give a face to the transit issues we’re tackling.

Looking Ahead: A Transit System That Works for Everyone

At Propel ATL, we believe that a reliable, responsive, and equitable transit system is within reach. But it starts with listening to the people who use it most. Through canvassing and initiatives like The Rider’s Voice, we’re committed to making sure the changes we advocate for are rooted in the reality of our community's experiences.

Together, with your support, we can build a transit system that works for everyone. By amplifying the voices of those who rely on public transportation, we’re ensuring that their feedback doesn’t just inform the conversation—it drives change.