Propel ATL has worked hard this summer, canvassing bus riders across the Atlanta Metro area. We are raising awareness about the looming MARTA Bus Network Redesign and gathering information from riders on their daily transit experiences. 

We aim to leverage this feedback to advocate for a high-quality, high-frequency, accessible transit system. The input will help aid the Safe Streets &Transit Coalition advocacy efforts in 2025, as MARTA will soon release the draft changes to the bus system.

Centering the voices of riders who depend on public transportation for daily activities is paramount to increasing access to opportunity, prioritizing equity, and boosting ridership. We know that when the network redesign is in full effect, it will directly impact riders. Commuters will either gain or lose routes, and buses will come more or less often.

We have surveyed around 600 bus riders on various routes across the Atlanta Metro. Common themes from the feedback include excessive travel times due to frequent delays and cancellations. One rider, Carola Briceño, stated, “Atlanta is not ideal for someone dependent on public transportation. It seems transportation here doesn’t meet the needs of the working population.” Carola is contemplating moving to New York City for better access to opportunities given its robust transit system. The bus network redesign is our opportunity to improve Atlanta’s transit system to serve transit-dependent populations. Improved coverage and frequency, coupled with the increase of dedicated bus lanes (Bus Rapid Transit) and traffic signal prioritization (Arterial Rapid Transit), can significantly enhance travel time savings.

Transportation equity is not just a part of our mission, it's at the core of everything we do. It's about recognizing and addressing the systemic burdens that marginalized communities face. Equity in public transportation means integrating all segments of the community into decision-making processes and ensuring services are affordable, reliable, accessible, and safe for everyone​.

Through our transit canvassing, we are not just gathering data, we are building lasting relationships with riders and other stakeholders. We are creating a collaborative platform for ongoing dialogue and improvement. We will publish a State of Transit Report, which will serve as an advocacy tool to inform decision-makers, educate the public, drive innovation and best practices, and provide actionable recommendations. If this report excites you, we are seeking volunteers to help assemble and present the data. You can sign up today for a role. Together, we can create a transit system that works for everyone.