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MARTA buses often get a bad rap. But, generally, the buses are not scary. They generally run on time. And they get you to places not convenient to the train.
Here are some basic tips to make riding the buses a little easier:
- To figure out what bus to ride, use the Google Map transit directions or view the MARTA system map.
- You can use your Breeze card/ticket or pay cash ($2), but drivers cannot make change, so bring exact change. Keep in mind that if you pay in cash, you also won't get a free transfer to the train.
- If you are planning to board a bus at a train station, look overhead for signs that read "To Buses". Some train stations have bus bays in more than one area, so be sure to look for signs also pointing to the bus route number.
- Once on the bus, there are regular bus stops along the routes, generally at major intersections. To exit, pull the cord at the sides of the bus to indicate a stop. Or, if you aren't sure of where to get off, tell your driver what street or landmark you're looking for. Most are glad to help.
- You can also look at and/or print the bus route maps and schedules online to get an idea of what streets to look for or pick up a printed route map at the Five Points Station. These brochures contain both a route map and a schedule. It is a good idea to have a printed copy to help with your return trip.
- If you live outside of MARTA's service area, check out the regional transit express buses, which connect with MARTA.
For more information: See the Breeze Card Explained and see MARTA directions to 10 popular Atlanta tourist attractions.
Comments
You may need to budget more time to take the bus, but it sure is nice to have someone else busting a capillary over traffic. It sure would be nice if more of the stops had covers for when it rains, though.
I'm new to Atlanta, and I don't drive so I tried the bus and boy was I surprised....I had to $12.50 to get down town and back...There has got to be a better way....And the drivers are not that very helpfull are friendly...
I totally agree on covered waiting spots, or even more benches. Certainly some routes are better than others. Stay tuned for upcoming posts on the best bus routes for sight seeing.
I love riding marta. It's faster and alwawys on time, unlike up north where im from.
So nice to hear! Thanks for commenting!
There needs to be more routes added to the North Fulton Area. The city of Alpharetta has 3 routes and the City of Johns Creek has none, I wonder how one would peticion to have more routes created.
You can leave a message with MARTA customer service and/or attend some of the regular Town Hall meetings that MARTA holds to discuss route changes. You may be able to vote in Fall 2012 for a one-cent sales tax that will provide money for MARTA improvements and projects, so be sure to vote that year and vote "yes" if it is on the ballot! I think it would be great if the train extended to Alpharetta. However, Johns Creek may not be in Fulton County/City of Atlanta, so MARTA would not be an option there.
Does anybody know if you have to pay extra or how to transfer to another bus?
I believe you can ask the bus driver for a transfer.
@ joe cody If u are taking muti buses a lot i would say go to a train station where u can buy breeze cards and get a weekly pass or a day pass its about 24 for the week pass 8 or 9 for the day and its unlimted trips the must useful part about marta
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