Xpress bus info for some stranded C-Tran riders
When Clayton County's C-Tran bus system shuts down before midnight Wednesday, many passengers will be stranded. But for those who commute Monday through Friday to or from downtown Atlanta around standard office hours and can make it to one of the Xpress stops, commuter buses are an option.
Fares are higher than C-Tran’s. For those paying cash (Xpress takes exact change only) it’s $3 one way, $5 round-trip.
The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA), which runs the buses, tried to add more routes that would fill the gap for about 25 percent of C-Tran’s riders, according to GRTA’s Jim Ritchey. But there was no long-term funding, so that won't happen.
Below are the current GRTA Xpress routes. For simplicity we’re listing just some basic information and the morning routes, not the afternoon return routes. There are also a limited number of buses that run in the reverse direction, from Atlanta to Clayton in the morning and back in the afternoon. For more details, contact GRTA at xpressga.com (click on “Xpress Home," then on “Routes,” then on the name of the route you want to know about) or 404-463-4782 (404-463-GRTA).
- 440: Jonesboro to 10 stops in Atlanta, including MARTA Five Points and Civic Center stations
Stops in Jonesboro starting at 5:48 a.m., at 8488 Tara Blvd., Jonesboro, just north of Smith Street. The last morning bus outbound leaves at 9:15 a.m.
Just one time in the course of the morning, at 9:30 a.m., this route stops at Southlake Mall on its way to Atlanta.
- 441: Jonesboro to 10 stops in Midtown Atlanta, including MARTA Civic Center and Arts Center stations
Stops at the Clayton County Justice Center at 9151 Tara Blvd., near the sheriff's department, departures starting at 5:30 a.m. There used to be two stops at the center, now there is only one. Three minutes later, it also stops at the Jonesboro Park and Ride lot at 8488 Tara Blvd. The last morning bus outbound leaves at 7:30 a.m.
- 442: Riverdale to Atlanta: MARTA Five Points and Civic Center stations
Stops at a park-and-ride lot at 6842 Lamar Hutcheson Parkway, Riverdale, departures starting at 5:30 a.m. The last morning bus out leaves at 8 a.m.
About the Author
Ariel Hart is a reporter on health care issues. She works on the AJC’s health team and has reported on subjects including the Voting Rights Act and transportation.
