MARTA launched the Rapid A-Line on April 18, 2026, marking the agency's first new transit line in over two decades and Georgia's first bus rapid transit service. The nearly five-mile round-trip loop connects downtown, Summerhill, and Peoplestown in 15 minutes or less.
The service runs in dedicated bus-only lanes — painted red and marked with bold signage — covering approximately 85% of the route. Purple-wrapped buses provide visual distinction from regular MARTA routes, and signal prioritization technology gives the A-Line green lights at intersections.
The line launched the same day as MARTA's NextGen bus network redesign, the most comprehensive overhaul of the system's bus routes in decades. Both projects were funded through a 2016 voter-approved sales tax for transit expansion.
For World Cup visitors, the A-Line provides a direct connection through South Downtown — running along Mitchell Street and MLK Drive through the heart of the new restaurant and entertainment district, with stops near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Centennial Yards, and Founders Green.
The project's budget grew from an initial $58 million estimate to $122.9 million due to unexpected underground infrastructure discoveries. Full completion with all planned stations is expected by fall 2026. During the current soft launch, rides are free; regular fare will match MARTA's standard $2.50.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
