Xpress bus routes will change under new service plan

Xpress bus service around Atlanta is about to get an upgrade.

All 33 existing routes will see changes under a new service plan expected to be approved by the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority board on Wednesday. In addition to tweaks in schedule times and stop locations, the transit agency will consolidate some routes, add three new routes to the bustling Perimeter Center area, eliminate one poor-performing route from Mableton to Downtown, and increase the frequency of service on most other routes.

Some riders may have to walk a few blocks farther to reach stops -- particularly in Downtown Atlanta, where buses are being routed away from heavy congestion areas to improve on-time performance. The plan is a result of an 18-month-long analysis of existing conditions, market conditions, and travel demand.