Xpress West Douglas Park and Ride Has New Look

Office of Communications & Engagement
245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Suite 2200 • Atlanta, GA 30303

Ericka B. Davis
Chief Communications Officer
o: 404-893-3033 | c: 404-226-9339 |  [email protected]

Tiffany L. McCall
Communications and Media Relations Director
o: 404-893-3025 | c: 404-240-7531 | [email protected]

For Immediate Release: July 21, 2021

Xpress West Douglas Park and Ride Has New Look

Upgrades and repairs made to parking lot, landscape and signage to enhance customer service

ATLANTA – On June 30th, renovations to the Xpress Commuter Services West Douglas Park and Ride, located at 7500 Douglas Blvd, Douglasville, GA 30135, were officially completed. In March of 2020, the project was initiated to provide a safe and attractive location for commuters who utilize Xpress transportation services in Douglas County. Improvements made at the site include updated landscape, replacement of hardscape (granite installation and concrete repair), and replacement of the entrance sign to make the location more appealing to the public while adhering to ADA compliance standards. The total cost of the facility upgrades was $386,000. The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) contracted with Summit Construction (for the hardscape work) and Burch Industrial (for the landscaping work) to make the renovations and upgrades.

According to ATL Engineer Sam Samu, “The renovations were made to ensure that Xpress customers would receive the level of care, accessibility, and maintenance being put into their transit amenities that they have come to expect from Xpress.”  Currently, the Park and Ride lot is open for use. Route 463 operates Monday-Friday and connects the West Douglas Park and Ride and the Douglas County Multi-Modal Transportation Center to Downtown and Midtown Atlanta. To view images of the updated location, click here to access.

Xpress has 27 Park and Ride lots throughout the metro Atlanta area with its newest Hickory Grove Park and Ride facility which recently opened in April.  Xpress’s 27 routes historically have carried more than 1.8 million passenger trips annually to and from major employment centers in Downtown, Midtown, and Perimeter Center, providing a valuable transportation option for commuters and improving the capacity of Georgia’s most congested roads and highways.

Customer service representatives are available Monday – Friday from 5:30 A.M.– 7:00 P.M. at 844-XPRSSGA (977-7742). Riders may also sign up for alerts by texting XPRESS to 888777. Additional information about Xpress and its services is available at www.xpressga.com.

Address: 7500 Douglas Blvd., Douglasville, GA 30135 (Douglas County)
Routes: Xpress Route 463
Shelters: 3 bus shelters
Benches: 4 seating benches
General Parking Spaces: 545
Handicapped Accessible Parking Spaces: 13
Other amenities: 5 emergency call boxes, 4 trash receptacles, 1 fare pavilion building that houses electrical and winter supplies.

About the Xpress Transit System

The Xpress regional commuter transit system is operated by the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL). The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit.  The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Georgia’s ATL Authority Awarded $5.4 Million Federal Grant to Fund First Ever Xpress Electric Buses

Office of Communications & Engagement
245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Suite 2200 • Atlanta, GA 30303

Ericka B. Davis
Chief Communications Officer
o: 404-893-3033 | c: 404-226-9339 |  [email protected]

Tiffany L. McCall
Communications and Media Relations Director
o: 404-893-3025 | c: 404-240-7531 | [email protected]

For Immediate Release: June 30, 2021

Georgia’s ATL Authority Awarded $5.4 Million Federal Grant to Fund First Ever Xpress Electric Buses

The 10 battery-electric commuter coaches to operate on routes connecting Clayton, Coweta, Fulton and Henry Counties to Downtown and Midtown Atlanta

ATLANTA — The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) was awarded $5.47 million in federal funding for 10 battery-electric commuter coaches and 11 chargers (which includes one maintenance facility charger) for the region’s Xpress Commuter Service. They are expected to initially operate on routes connecting Clayton, Coweta, Fulton, and Henry Counties to Downtown and Midtown Atlanta.

The funding was received through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) highly competitive Low-No Program which supports transit agencies in purchasing or leasing low- or no-emission buses and other transit vehicles that use technologies such as battery-electric and fuel-cell power to provide cleaner, more efficient transit service. This year’s funding opportunity prioritized applications with an environmental justice component as well as those with workforce development components to help transit workers succeed as their jobs change with new zero-emission technologies. The new electric (EV) coaches will be based out of Xpress’ South Operations Facility located in Clayton County and will replace 10 model year 2004 diesel buses. A portion of the federal grant will also support workforce development activities for Xpress, helping to ensure the Xpress operations and maintenance staff are well trained on battery electric bus systems.

“We are extremely pleased to have been selected as one of 49 projects awarded and greatly appreciate the support of our partners at the Federal Transit Administration and the efforts of the Georgia Congressional delegation in our receiving this transformative investment in our transit infrastructure”, said ATL Executive Director Chris Tomlinson. “The ATL was fortunate to also have the support of numerous state and local leaders, as well as the private sector.”

The ATL partnered with MCI, the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), and Atkins on the application. MCI manufactures the D45 CRTe LE (the only Federally tested/approved electric commuter coach currently on the market). CTE, the Atlanta based nonprofit, will provide project management, modeling, performance validation, and other technical assistance. Atkins will provide engineering services for infrastructure installation. The D45 CRTe LE Charge is a low-floor model bus that allows easier boarding and enhanced ADA accessibility for riders. The EV coaches are significantly quieter than their conventionally powered counterparts, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable rider experience.

“These electric coaches provide numerous benefits, including helping us improve fleet reliability, reducing our long-term maintenance needs, improving air quality, reducing noise pollution in the communities we serve, and eliminating the need for 87,000 gallons of fuel while reducing 901 tons of carbon emissions”, Tomlinson confirmed. “Moreover, these factors align with four of ATL’s Governing Principles: Environmental Sustainability, Equity, Innovation and Return on Investment – and ensures that our Xpress riders can continue to commute with confidence.”

In addition to this FTA Low-No award, the ATL has also partnered with Georgia Power through the company’s EV Make Ready Program to upgrade electrical infrastructure at Xpress’s South Ops facility. Infrastructure upgrades supported by the Make Ready Program are expected to support this initial 10 bus deployment while also facilitating future EV bus fleet expansions.

Xpress has 27 routes in 12 metro Atlanta counties that carry more than 1.8 million passenger trips annually to and from major employment centers in Downtown, Midtown, and Perimeter Center. Additional information is available at www.XpressGA.com to assist customers with selecting alternate transportation options. Customer service representatives are available Monday – Friday from 5:30 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. at 844-XPRSSGA (977-7742).  Riders may also sign up for alerts by texting XPRESS to 888777.

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region.  The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit.  The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand.  Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system.  The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040.  The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About the Xpress Transit System

The Xpress regional commuter transit system is operated by the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL). The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit.  The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Board of Directors Committee Meetings Scheduled for July 1, 2021

Office of Communications & Engagement
245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Suite 2200 • Atlanta, GA 30303

Ericka B. Davis
Chief Communications Officer
o: 404-893-3033 | c: 404-226-9339 |  [email protected]

Tiffany L. McCall
Communications and Media Relations Director
o: 404-893-3025 | c: 404-240-7531 | [email protected]
For Immediate Release: June 24, 2021

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold 
Board of Directors Committee Meetings Scheduled for July 1, 2021, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority announces that it will hold its Board Committee Meetings on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. at 245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Marquis One, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303.  The Xpress Operations Committee Meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m., and each subsequent committee meeting will begin as the previous meeting ends.  To view the Committee agendas and options to connect remotely, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/the-atl-board/.

Meeting Schedule:

Xpress Operations Committee 
Administrative Committee 
Regional Technology Committee 
Regional Transit Planning Committee 

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region.  The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit.  The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand.  Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system.  The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040.  The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Board of Directors Meeting June 3, 2021

For Immediate Release:
May 27, 2021

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold
Board of Directors Meeting
Board Meeting Scheduled for June 3, 2021, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority announces that it will hold its Board Meeting on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. at 245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Marquis One, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303. The public will also have simultaneous access to the Board meeting via remote options due to the emergency conditions affecting public safety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To view the Board agenda and options to connect remotely, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/the-atl-board/.

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Committee Meetings Meetings Via Teleconference

Meeting Schedule
Xpress Operations Committee
Regional Transit Planning Committee
Administrative Committee
Specially Called Board of Directors Meeting

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Xpress Opens Hickory Grove Park & Ride Lot with New Routes May 3rd

For Immediate Release:

April 22, 2021

Xpress Opens Hickory Grove Park & Ride Lot with New Routes May 3rd

New Routes Will Offer Convenient Transit Services to Midtown and Downtown Atlanta for Bartow, Cherokee and Cobb County Customers

ATLANTA–The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) announced the opening of its new Hickory Grove Park & Ride lot located at 2018 Hickory Grove Road NW, Acworth, GA 30102. The new lot will service two new Xpress routes beginning Monday, May 3, 2021.

Located just beyond the Northwest Corridor’s Sixes Road exit, the new Hickory Grove Park & Ride Lot features more than 500 parking spaces and numerous other customer-focused amenities.New Xpress Routes 484 and 485 will provide convenient, weekday transit services for Cobb, Cherokee and Bartow County customers to and from midtown and downtown Atlanta.

“The Xpress commuter service has a goal of providing transportation options that address capacity issues on Georgia’s most congested highways,” said Chris Tomlinson, ATL Executive Director.“The new Hickory Grove park and ride lot and routes will leverage the direct access and the mobility offered by the Northwest Corridor managed lanes.  Xpress coaches will use these lanes free of charge, making service speedier and more reliable while saving travel time for transit users.

On April 30, 2021, ahead of the lot’s official opening, the ATL will host a ribbon cutting event. The event will be livestreamed to provide access to Xpress customers, transit advocates and supporters.Information regarding livestream access is available at www.xpressga.com.

Xpress has 29 routes in 12 metro Atlanta counties that carry more than 1.8 million passenger trips annually to and from major employment centers in Downtown, Midtown, and Perimeter Center.Customer service representatives will be available Monday –Friday from 5:30 A.M. –8:30 P.M. at 844-XPRSSGA (977-7742). Riders may also sign up for alerts by texting XPRESS to 888777.Additional information about Xpress and its services is available at www.xpressga.com.

Fast Facts: Hickory Grove Road Park & Ride Lot | Routes 484 and Route 485

Address: 1820 Hickory Grove Road | Acworth, GAXpress

Routes: Route 484 will offer weekday service to/from Midtown Atlanta and Route 485 will offer weekday service to/from Downtown Atlanta# of Bus Bays/

Shelters: Three with high reflective painted roofs

#of Benches: 4 Seating Benches and 6 Leaning Benches

#GeneralParkingSpaces: 522

#Handicapped Accessible Parking Spaces: 11

# of Spaces Reserved for Future EV Charging Stations: 4

Other amenities include Seven Call Boxes, Trash Cans, LED Lighting System, Impact Rated Bollards, Granite Curb Lines, Underground Storm Water Storage System and an Advertisement Box.

About the Xpress Transit System

The Xpress regional commuter transit system is operated by the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL). The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For moreinformation on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Notifying the public of and requesting comment on the Atlanta Urbanized Area (UZA) FTA Formula Funds Proposed Program of Projects

In compliance with requirements and guidelines outlined in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1B, and the Atlantaregion Transit Link Authority (ATL) Title VI Program, comment is requested on the Atlanta Urbanized Area (UZA) FTA Formula Funds
Program of Projects (POP). The formal public comment period begins April 23, 2021 and concludes May 24, 2021. Click here for more information.

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Board Meeting via Teleconference

For Immediate Release:

March 25, 2021

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Board Meeting via Teleconference

Board Meeting Scheduled for April 1, 2021, at 8:30 a.m.

ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority announces that it will hold its Board Meeting via teleconference on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at 8:30 a.m.

To view the Board agenda and options to connect remotely, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/the-atl- board/.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-14-1(g), the public will be afforded simultaneous access to the Board meeting via remote options due to the emergency conditions affecting public safety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislation session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and

follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Committee Meetings Via Teleconference

For Immediate Release:

February 26, 2021

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Committee Meetings Via Teleconference

Xpress Operations, Administrative, Marketing and Communications, and Regional Transit Planning Committee Meetings Scheduled for March 4, 2021, Beginning at 8:30 a.m.

ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority announces that it will hold its Committee Meetings via teleconference on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. The Xpress Operations Committee meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m., and each subsequent committee meeting will begin as the previous meeting ends.

To view the Board agenda and options to connect remotely, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/the-atl- board/.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-14-1(g), the public will be afforded simultaneous access to the Board meeting via remote options due to the emergency conditions affecting public safety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meeting Schedule:

Xpress Operations Committee Administrative Committee

Marketing and Communications Committee

Regional Transit Planning Committee

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Mayoral Caucuses Leading up to Board Elections for Districts 1,3,5,7,9

For Immediate Release:February 9, 2021

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Mayoral Caucuses Leading up to Board Elections for Districts 1,3,5,7,9

First Mayoral Caucus for District 9 to be held via teleconference tomorrow on Wednesday, February 10, 2021

ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority will hold a Mayoral Caucus to elect the Mayoral Representative for District 9. The Caucus will select a Mayor from amongst their group to represent them in the actual ATL District 9 board member election. Jonesboro Mayor Joy Day was the representative selected for District 9 in 2018.

WHO: Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

WHEN:  Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-14-1(g), the ATL is holding the Mayoral Caucus by teleconference due to the emergency conditions affecting public safety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The public will be afforded simultaneous access to the teleconference meeting by the means described in this notice.

Click here to view the teleconference meeting.

WHAT: Transit District 9 Mayoral Caucus-The mayors of 11 cities within District 9 are scheduled to meet Wednesday for one of the first stops necessary to select a board member to the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority. The ATL is responsible for implementing transit projects across 13 metro counties and ensuring plans connect efficiently across jurisdictions. Each of the odd numbered transit districts are expected to hold meetings this month to select their mayoral representative onto a caucus of elected officials who will select their respective board members. District 9 includes parts of Clayton, DeKalb and Henry Counties. Municipalities included are Atlanta, Decatur, Forest Park, Jonesboro, Lake City, Locust Grove, McDonough, Morrow, Riverdale, Stockbridge and Stonecrest.

MAYORAL CAUCUS SCHEDULE:

Wed. 2/10, 4:30 p.m. – District 9 Mayoral Caucus

Mon. 2/15, 5:00 p.m. – District 1 Mayoral Caucus

Tues. 2/16, 8:30 a.m. – District 5 Mayoral Caucus

Tues. 2/16, 9:00 a.m. – District 7 Mayoral Caucus

Fri. 2/19, 2:00 p.m. – District 3 Mayoral Caucus

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislation session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on the ATL,

visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.