From Pilot to Permanent: MARTA Reach Officially Launches System-Wide This Saturday
After a successful 2022 test in Belvedere Park, MARTA's on-demand "Reach" service expands to 12 zones with free rides through March
After a successful 2022 limited pilot, MARTA’s on-demand “Reach” service expands to 12 zones with free rides through March.
Atlanta, Georgia – Four years ago, it was just an experiment. This Saturday, March 7, it becomes a reality. MARTA will officially launch its MARTA Reach on-demand transit service, transitioning from a successful research pilot into a permanent pillar of the region’s public transportation network.
A Journey Four Years in the Making
The road to Saturday’s launch began back in March 2022. In partnership with Georgia Tech, MARTA introduced a six-month pilot program to test the “first-mile, last-mile” concept. Long-time followers may remember when A.T.L. N.E.W.S. was called upon to help promote the Belvedere Park pilot line, encouraging DeKalb residents to trade traditional bus stops for app-based pickups.
That pilot proved that the demand was there. After serving thousands of riders in West Atlanta, Belvedere, and Gillem Logistics Center, the data confirmed that on-demand shuttles could effectively bridge the gap between residents’ front doors and the rail system. Now, in 2026, that vision is scaling up as part of the NextGen Bus Network rollout.
Expanding the Network
While the 2022 test focused on three small areas, the permanent service launching this weekend will span 12 distinct zones across the metro area. From the tech corridors of North Fulton to the industrial hubs in South Fulton, MARTA Reach is designed to provide curb-to-curb service within 30 minutes of a request.
Rhonda Allen (MARTA Chief Customer Experience Officer) – May 2022:
“We have seen significant interest and loyalty from the early riders of MARTA Reach… Most of our riders take many trips a day, connecting to grocery stores, schools and day care, social activities, and the broader MARTA system.”
Regional Transportation Services and Innovation
MARTA isn’t the only provider in the on-demand service. Gwinnett County Transit has been operating its own successful microtransit service since 2023, proving that the suburbs are just as excited for flexible transit as the city. By the end of this year, metro Atlanta will feature one of the most robust on-demand transit footprints in the Southeast.
What You Need to Know for Saturday
- The Zones: Service includes West Atlanta, Kirkwood/Candler Park, East Point, Lakewood, Fulton Industrial, and the return to Belvedere Park/Candler-McAfee.
- Free Trial: To celebrate the launch, all MARTA Reach rides are FREE from March 7 through March 28.
- The Fare: Starting March 28, the fare will be $2.50 (the same as a standard bus or rail fare) and will include four free transfers.
- How to Ride: Download the MARTA Reach app for iOS (Apple) or Android (Google Play). Calls to request a van can be made at 404-848-6622 during MARTA’s regular business hours.
Looking Ahead
The launch of Reach is the “opening act” for the full NextGen Bus Network redesign, which is scheduled to take effect on April 18, 2026.
