Marta Bus Transfers: How Long Do They Last?

Atlanta's public transportation system, MARTA, offers a combination of rail and bus services to passengers. The standard fare for a single trip is $2.50, and it includes up to four free transfers within a 3-hour period from the start of the trip. This allows passengers to conveniently switch between buses and trains up to three times during a single trip. To utilise this, passengers must obtain a transfer pass before exiting the bus or train and can do so by tapping their Breeze Card when exiting a rail station or by activating the transfer window when initially paying the fare on a bus.

The duration of a MARTA bus transfer

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, or MARTA, offers a combination of rail and bus services in Atlanta, Georgia. The standard fare for a single trip on a MARTA bus or train is $2.50, with discounted fares of $1 available for seniors and people with disabilities. Children under 46 inches tall may ride for free with each paying adult.

A single trip on MARTA allows for up to four free transfers between bus and train within a 3-hour period. These transfers cannot be used for round trips. To obtain a transfer pass, you must use a Breeze Card or the Breeze Mobile 2 app to pay your initial fare. The transfer window is automatically activated when you pay your initial fare, and you must use the same card to tap in and out of the rail station or bus.

It's important to note that there are no more paper transfers available on MARTA, and transfers from Cobb's paper transfers are not valid. You can check the MARTA app or website for bus and train schedules and plan your transfers accordingly.

Additionally, MARTA offers special service hours during major events, with trains running later or more frequently to accommodate passengers. The MARTA app can provide information on when the next train is arriving at your stop.

How to get a transfer pass

MARTA allows you to transfer up to 3 times between bus and train for a single trip. However, you must obtain a transfer pass before exiting either the bus or train. This transfer pass is valid for 3 hours, and you can make four free transfers within this time.

To obtain a transfer pass, you must use a Breeze card or the Breeze Mobile 2 app. The Breeze card can be purchased for $2 and can be reloaded for up to three years. The card can be loaded with as many trips or days as needed, offering flexibility for travellers. Alternatively, you can download the Breeze Mobile 2 app to load funds digitally.

If you are using the Breeze card, you must tap to exit a rail station to obtain a free rail-to-bus transfer. For bus-to-rail transfers, the initial fare payment activates the transfer window. It is important to note that transfers are automatic and based on timing when using the same Breeze card.

For students and employees at Georgia Tech, discounted monthly MARTA passes are available for purchase at the PTS customer service centre or through payroll deduction. The passes can be bought at a cost of $50 for students and $67 for employees, with the option of payroll deduction lowering the employee cost to $57.

The cost of a MARTA bus transfer

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, or MARTA, offers a combination of rail and bus services throughout downtown and the city's intown neighbourhoods and outer suburbs. The standard fare for a single trip on a MARTA bus or train is $2.50. This fare includes up to four free transfers within a three-hour period from the start of your trip. Each traveller needs their own Breeze Card, which costs $2 and can be reloaded for up to three years. Alternatively, you can purchase a Breeze Ticket for $1, which is single-use only.

There are several different pass options available for the Breeze Card, which can be loaded with cash value, single or multi-trip tickets, or passes. A 10-trip pass costs the same as buying ten individual tickets, while a 20-trip ticket costs $42.50, offering a discount of $3.75. Multi-day passes for 1-4 days, 7 days, or 30 days are also available and can offer savings for those planning to do a lot of travelling around Atlanta. For example, with a 7-day pass ($23.75), you only need to make 10 trips in 7 days to save money compared to buying individual tickets.

In addition to the standard Breeze Card and Ticket, discounted fares of $1 are available for seniors and people with disabilities. Two children under 46 inches tall may also ride for free with each paying adult.

MARTA's bus network coverage

MARTA's bus network provides over 500,000 passenger trips within the city of Atlanta and Fulton and DeKalb counties every weekday. The bus network is accessible directly from the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and runs from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on weekends.

MARTA has been working on a bus network redesign, with the original goal of implementing changes by the end of 2023. The new implementation goal is Spring 2024. The redesign will involve choosing between focusing on "coverage" or "frequency". Coverage would mean that the buses cover a wider area, but with less frequency, whereas frequency would mean that buses cover a smaller area, but with greater frequency.

The redesign process has involved gathering public feedback and input from local governments. The final product will be a compromise between the two extremes of the spectrum, depending on public response. It is likely that some people will lose their closest local route, and some people will not get the full service frequency that they deserve.

The redesign will also involve improvements beyond the high-capacity projects, such as the introduction of bus shelters and universal regional bus signage. There will also be new transit hubs and rail station refurbishments.

The "ridership" concept map focuses on providing more access to more people, taking into account average wait times between buses. On the other hand, the "coverage" concept map focuses on providing service to a wider geographic area, even if it means less frequency.

The final network design will be a blend of the two concepts, taking into account public feedback and the availability of resources.

MARTA's bus operating times

MARTAs bus operating times vary depending on the day of the week. On weekdays, buses run from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., while on weekends and holidays, they operate from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. However, it's important to note that the precise operating times can vary by route, so it's always a good idea to check the specific schedule for your desired bus route.

Marta's bus services cover a broad area, including suburbs, outlying intown neighbourhoods, and central areas such as Downtown and Midtown. The bus network intersects with rail lines, providing transport to areas not directly served by the trains. This makes it a convenient option for getting around Atlanta, especially when combined with the train system.

When using MARTA buses, you can take advantage of their transfer policy. Your fare includes up to four free transfers within a 3-hour period from the start of your trip. This means you can combine bus and train trips to reach your destination, making it a flexible and cost-effective option for navigating the city.

To pay for your bus fare, you'll need to purchase a Breeze Card, which costs $2. You can load cash value or single/multi-trip tickets and passes onto this card. These cards can be bought from vending machines in MARTA train stations, RideStores, or online. Multi-day passes are also available, offering savings if you plan to make multiple trips around the city during your visit.

In addition to its regular services, MARTA also offers special service hours during major events. This means that trains may run later or more frequently to accommodate the needs of passengers attending these events. So, whether you're a tourist exploring the city or a local commuting to work, MARTA's bus and train services provide a convenient, safe, and affordable way to get around Atlanta and its surrounding areas.

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