Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
4.0
Transit Concept Plan
This chapter presents the proposed service improvements recommended for each ATS route, as
well as recommendations for new routes and services. The proposed future modifications and
improvements are based on the evaluation of ATS’ existing services (Chapter 2) and the
assessment of transit needs in the Athens area (Chapter 3) which included discussions with ATS
and MACORTS staff, stakeholder interviews, and input/suggestions from the general public. The
study determined a need for expanded hours of operation and more frequent services throughout
Athens-Clarke County. In particular, stakeholders and the general public overwhelmingly
expressed the desire for evening service and more weekend service. Workers and students
stated that transit was available to get to work or school, but often the service did not run late
enough to return home.
The following sections of this chapter describe the proposed Transit Concept Plan (Section 4.1)
and the resultant effect on operating requirements (Section 4.2), annual operating expenses
(Section 4.3), and projected ridership and passenger revenue (Section 4.4).
4.1
PROPOSED SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS
The Transit Concept Plan was developed based on land use and demographic analyses, ridecheck
survey and other field work, and input from stakeholders and the public. The proposed Transit
Concept Plan includes service improvements designed to meet ATS’ strategic goals and objectives
on service delivery (e.g., realignment of unproductive routes and route segments), service
modifications intended to improve the quality of service to existing riders (e.g., more frequent
service, longer service hours, less circuitous routes), and new services designed to serve
emerging markets or neighborhoods currently not served (e.g., park and ride lots, new routes,
route extensions). The proposed service improvements identify transit services to specific areas
which are likely to be productive and successful.
It is important to recognize that the Transit Concept Plan is only a recommendation. Any service
improvements that may eventually be implemented will undergo ATS’ adopted service planning
and implementation processes.
Key elements of the Transit Concept Plan include:

More Frequent Service – Increasing frequency to 30-minute service on West Broad
Street/Atlanta Highway, Oconee Street/Lexington Road, Prince Avenue, Oglethorpe Avenue,
Barber Street, Alps Road/Hawthorne Avenue, Baxter Street, Lumpkin Street, Milledge
Avenue, and College Station Road/Gaines School Road. The North Avenue corridor, Broad
Street, and the UGA oriented routes already have 30-minute or better service frequency.
This represents the ‘core service’ and will provide frequent and accessible service on AthensClarke County’s major, most congested corridors.

Evening Service – Providing evening service on selected routes that provide accessibility to
jobs, hospitals, retail stores and other facilities with late evening hours of operation.

Early Saturday Service – Providing earlier Saturday service on selected routes that provide
accessibility to jobs. This element also adds Saturday service to the Prince Avenue and
Oglethorpe Avenue corridors.

Extended Routes and New Routes – The new downtown Multi-Modal Transit Center
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provides an opportunity to extend coverage on three existing northeast routes: #1 North
Avenue would be extended up Danielsville Road; #2 East Athens would be extended to major
employers in the Hancock Industrial Way, Olympic Drive, and Indian Hills Road area; and
#24 Athens Tech would be extended to major employers in the growing northeast Athens
industrial area. Adding evening service on #24 will provide access to evening classes at the
GED Building and Athens Tech and more direct service between the major employers,
residential areas, the GED Building and Athens Tech will provide a synergy for recruiting,
training and retaining manufacturing, service and other employees.
A new route, #29 MLK / US441 / Sandy Creek Park, would serve the MLK Jr. Drive area, US
441 (Commerce Road) corridor, connecting to Sandy Creek Park and a proposed park and
ride lot along US 441.

Route Realignments – Several route modifications are recommended to remove existing
large loop operations on the #5/#7, #8, and #25/#26 and provide more direct two-way
routings with shorter travel times. While the operation of large loops is often necessary due
to budgetary constraints, this design results in circuitous trips for most riders, tends to be
confusing to riders and thus can impact a route’s ridership potential. Recommended changes
would be implemented simultaneously for routes #5, #7 and #8 (splitting into #8A and #8B)
in order to preserve existing route coverage as would the changes to #25 and #26. The
recommended improvements provide more direct connections between residential areas,
employers, community facilities such as St. Mary’s Hospital and Athens Regional Medical
Center, and commercial areas along the affected routes. Finally, routes #6 and #6A would
be consolidated to improve the overall service level in the W. Broad Street and Hancock
Avenue corridors.

Improvements to Enhance Park and Ride as Viable Alternative to Driving
Downtown or the UGA campus – Providing increased frequency, hours of operation, and
new service as follows:
 Recommended improvements to #25 (increased frequency and added evening hours)
will provide better service between a proposed park and ride lot at College Station Road/
SR 10 Loop and downtown/UGA campus for patrons on the east side. When the
proposed College Station park and ride lot is completed, the UGA oriented routes #12
and #28 ridership should be closely monitored to determine if it is necessary to improve
their service frequency, particularly during morning and afternoon peak periods.
 Recommended improvements to #20 (increased frequency and added evening hours)
will provide better service between the park and ride lot at Georgia Square Mall and
downtown/UGA campus for patrons on the west side.
 Recommended improvements to #9 (increased frequency and added evening hours) will
provide better service between a proposed park and ride lot at the SR 10 Loop/South
Milledge Avenue interchange and downtown /UGA campus for patrons on the south side.
 Recommended new route #29 will provide new service between a proposed park and
ride lot along US 441 (Commerce Road) and downtown /UGA campus for patrons on the
north side.

New Neighborhood Circulator Routes – Development of a network of Neighborhood
Circulator routes using smaller vehicles to serve the lower density areas of Athens-Clarke
County. These routes would operate as a flexible routing, demand responsive service for
12.5 hours per day, Monday – Friday in their assigned service area. The routes would
connect to proposed superstops so that passengers could transfer to fixed routes if
necessary. This service element would build on the service areas defined for the existing
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4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
#30 and #31 “The Link” routes; expansion of the two existing service areas and adding two
new service areas are recommended for this Transit Concept Plan.

New Superstops in Outlying Areas – Development of a network of superstops at major
boarding and transfer points in the community. These will serve as hubs for the new
Neighborhood Circulator services and could be drop-off/pickup points for “The Lift”
customers. Superstops are generally developed at the intersection point of several bus
routes and additionally, may serve as neighborhood focal points located near commercial and
mixed land-use conveniences. They are ideal for integrating bus stop/shelters into existing
commercial developments and can provide a neighborhood-level focus on mobility services.
The location of a superstop should be in an area where ease of transit vehicles ingress and
egress is a priority. Typical amenities found in a superstop are benches, trash receptacles,
lighting and other security features, landscape planters, and a transit system information
kiosk. In addition, thematic art may be a primary element to identify the overall design of
the superstop to complement the neighborhood theme.
Several potential sites for superstops in the Athens-Clarke County area have been identified
and are listed below.
 Georgia Square Mall to serve Routes #20, and Neighborhood Circulator #30. This
location also includes the existing Park & Ride Lot.
 The Lexington Road Wal-Mart to serve routes #25, #26, #27, and Neighborhood
Circulator #31.
 The Bi-Lo Shopping Center to serve Routes #1, #24, and Neighborhood Circulator #31.
 The Homewood Shopping Center to serve Routes #5, #7, and Neighborhood Circulator
#32.
 The intersection of Loop 10 and Milledge Avenue to serve Routes #9, #14, and
Neighborhood Circulator #33. This location will also be the site of a Park & Ride Lot.
Chapter 1 summarized ATS’ strategic goals and objectives in providing transit service. A primary
goal for ATS is to provide transportation to education, cultural, medical, shopping, and other
resource centers for community members, with special attention to those who do not have
access to other modes of transportation. As configured, the recommended Transit Concept Plan
extends the ATS coverage area to serve all major Athens-Clarke County employers and other
major community facilities identified in chapter 3. In addition, the recommended Transit Concept
Plan was developed by addressing the following objectives of the primary service delivery goal:

Identify areas with transit dependent groups that have an above average propensity to use
transit.

Using GIS, routes serving Census Block Groups within Athens-Clarke County with a high
percentage of households with no automobile were identified. Census Block Groups
where the percentage of households with no automobile exceeds 23% were considered
to have an above average propensity to use transit. Several new proposed routes serve
these areas including routes #8A, #8B and #29. In addition, to facilitate greater transit
access to these households with no automobile, the alignment of some existing routes
have been modified, longer operating hours are proposed and increased bus frequency
will be offered. These routes include #2, #5, #6, #7, #20, #25, and #26.

Using GIS, routes serving Census Block Groups with a high percentage of low income
population were identified. Census Block Groups where the percentage of low income
population was 25% or more were considered to have an above average propensity to
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Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
use transit. Several proposed routes will serve these areas such as routes #8B and #29.
In addition, several existing routes will offer increased frequency and operating hours to
serve this set of the population. These routes include #6, #7, #20, and #25.

Overall, the fixed route service recommendations proposed for this Transit Concept Plan
will serve 9,900 more residents of Athens-Clarke County including 1,460 more low
income residents. Specifically, serving a greater general population and low income
population will be accomplished, in part, with the alignment changes/extensions
recommended on routes #1, #2, #8, #24, #25 and new route #29. Moreover, the four
flexible Neighborhood Circulator routes would serve an additional 20,800 more residents
of Athens-Clarke County including 4,700 more low income residents. The fixed routes
and flexible Neighborhood Circulators combined will serve 30,700 more residents, a 28.4
percent increase over existing residents served and including 6,160 more low income
residents, a 30.8 percent increase over existing low income residents served.
Additionally, increased frequency and longer operating hours will aid in providing more
transit service to the population of Athens-Clarke County.

Recommend change on a system wide basis to better address need the needs of citizens.
ATS current span of service is 12.5 hours (6:00 AM to 6:30 PM) on weekdays and 10.5 hours
(8:00 AM to 6:30 PM) on Saturday. The recommended Transit Concept Plan would increase
the span of service to 16.5 hours (6:00 AM to 10:30 PM) on weekdays and 14.5 hours (7:00
AM to 9:30 PM) on Saturday.

Emphasize regional connections for all ground transportation. The core system fixed routes
connect to the Central Business District and the new Multi-Modal Transit Center providing
modal connectivity with the UGA bus system, taxi and other private services, intercity bus,
and future commuter rail. The recommended Transit Concept Plan builds on the MMTC, park
and ride lots, and superstops to provide effective and convenient connections and transfers
between auto access to park and rides, transit fixed routes, and neighborhood circulators.

Provide more frequency of service, longer hours of service, multiple transfer hubs, and more
direct routes with shorter travel times.

Increased weekday peak/base period frequency to 30 minutes on eight routes: #5, #6,
#7, #8A, #9, #20, #25, and #26. Routes #1 and #2 already have 30-minute peak/base
service frequency. Routes #12, #14, and #28 have 20-, 20-, and 35-minute peak/base
period service frequencies, respectively. The peak/base span of service is 6:00 AM to
6:30 PM weekdays.

Added Saturday service on three routes: #7, #8A, and #26. Routes #1, #2, #5, #6,
#8B, #20, and #25 already have Saturday service.

Added early Saturday service (start 7:00 AM) on seven routes: #1, #2, #5, #7, #8A,
#20, and #25.

Added weekday and Saturday evening service to 10:30 PM on nine routes: #1, #2, #5,
#7, #8A, #9 (weekdays only), #20, #24 (weekdays only), and #25.
The specific service modifications and improvements are described below and are shown on
Figures 4-1 through 4-21, which include a map of the proposed changes and a table indicating
the change in service characteristics. Estimated totals of population served and low income
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4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
population served are calculated using GIS by placing a buffer with a radius of 0.25 miles
extending outward from each route. Using 2000 U.S. Census tract data, the general population
and low income population (persons below poverty level) for each affected tract are calculated
using the average population density for that particular tract.
Route #1 North Avenue
(Refer to Figure 4-1).
Proposed Change: North Avenue / Danielsville Road
Route #1 presently operates one bus along North Avenue between downtown and the Fowler
Road area including a neighborhood loop via MLK Jr. Drive, 3rd Street and Strickland Avenue and
a loop on the north end via Fowler Drive, Freeman Drive and Sunny Hills Drive. Major stops
include DFCS and the Bi-Lo Center. The route operates at a 30 minute frequency on weekdays
and a 60 minute frequency on Saturdays. On weekdays, the route operates every 60 minute
along the loops after running the loops every 30 minutes on the first four morning trips.
Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #1 performance indicators – 4.1 riders per mile, 29.6
riders per hour, and $1.31 per rider – are above average. The route ending at the new MMTC
provides the opportunity for the route to be extended farther out along Danielsville Road. This
area has shown ridership potential with route #31 and would benefit from more frequent and
direct service. The Ridecheck Survey shows potential demand for evening service.
Proposed service modifications: (1) Extend the route north along Danielsville Road to Juniper
Lane including a neighborhood loop via Burkland Drive, Catalpa Way, and Lombardy Circle; (2)
Provide evening service on weekdays and Saturdays and early morning Saturday service every 60
minutes; and (3) Develop a superstop at the Bi-Lo Center to accommodate transfers between
#1, #24, and #31. This recommendation provides the low income neighborhoods served by #1
with evening transit service to businesses and shopping along North Avenue and access to other
areas proposed in this TDP to have evening service by transferring at the MMTC.
Route #2 East Athens
(Refer to Figure 4-2).
Route #2 presently operates one bus at a 30 minute frequency on weekdays and Saturdays
serving low income neighborhoods in east Athens. Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #2
performance indicators – 1.6 riders per mile, 19.6 riders per hour, and $2.08 per rider – are
average. The route ending at the new MMTC provides the opportunity for the route to be
extended farther out to serve Spring Valley Road, Hancock Industrial Way, Olympic Drive, and
Indian Hills Road. This would provide direct and more frequent service between East Athens
residents and major employers (such as Carrier Transicold, U.S. Postal facility, Eaton Corporation)
in the growing industrial area. The Ridecheck Survey shows potential demand for evening
service.
Proposed service modifications: 1) From Nellie B Avenue and Washington Drive, extend the
route in a loop along Spring Valley Road, Hancock Road, Hancock Industrial Way, Olympic Drive,
and Indian Hills Road returning to Spring Valley Road and (2) Provide evening service on
weekdays and Saturdays and early morning Saturday service every 60 minutes.
This
recommendation provides the low income neighborhoods with more direct employment
opportunities in the East Athens area and evening transit service to downtown and other areas
proposed in this TDP to have evening service by transferring at the MMTC.
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Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-1
Route #1 North Avenue / Danielsville Road
Route #1 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
3.5
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
12.5
Cycle Time (minutes)
30
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
6:15 am - 6:40pm
Frequency (minutes)
30
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
8:45 am - 7:00pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
175
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
12.4
Total Population Served
2,070
Low Income Population Served
517
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Proposed
4.9
14.5
30
6:00 am - 10:30pm
30-min & 60-min evenings
7:00am - 9:30pm
60
1
284
14.5
2,170
535
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4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-2
Route #2 East Athens
Route #2 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
3.5
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
14.0
Cycle Time (minutes)
30
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
5:49am - 7:05pm
Frequency (minutes)
30
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
7:45am - 7:05pm
Frequency (minutes)
30
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
175
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
13.3
Total Population Served
2,946
Low Income Population Served
555
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Proposed
4.5
14.5
30
6:00am - 10:30pm
30-min & 60-min evenings
7:00am - 9:30pm
30-min & 60-min evenings
1
261
14.5
3,058
578
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Route #5 Beechwood / Baxter
(Refer to Figure 4-3).
Proposed Change: Baxter / Alps / Hawthorne / Homewood
Route #5 presently operates one bus in a large clockwise loop serving UGA, Baxter Street, Alps
Road, Hawthorne Avenue, Oglethorpe Avenue/Tallassee Road, Westchester Drive/Chalfont Drive
(apartments), Prince Avenue, and downtown Athens. Service is provided in the counterclockwise direction by #7 Prince Avenue. Buses run every 60 minutes, weekdays and Saturdays.
Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #5 performance indicators – 1.8 riders per mile, 22.6
riders per hour, and $1.84 per rider – are average. The operation of two large loops, #5 and #7,
results in circuitous trips for most riders and tends to be confusing to riders. From the Ridecheck
Survey data, the boardings and alightings for the currently operated trips indicate that this route
would be a good candidate for increasing service frequency and providing evening service. The
land uses and densities along the route also support increasing service.
Proposed service modifications: (1) Modify #5 to be a two-way route linking downtown Athens,
UGA, Baxter Street, Alps Road, Hawthorne Avenue and Homewood Shopping Center; (2) Serve
the Pauldoe Court housing off Hawthorne presently served by #6A; (3) Revise alignment from
UGA Tate Center to MMTC for more direct routing (4) Improve the weekday service frequency
from 60 to 30 minutes which would require two buses to operate; (5) Provide evening service on
weekdays and Saturdays and early morning Saturday service every 60 minutes; and (6) Develop
a superstop at Homewood Shopping Center to accommodate transfers between #5, #7, and
#32.
Route #6 West Broad / Atlanta Highway
(Refer to Figure 4-4).
Route #6 presently operates one bus between downtown Athens and Epps Bridge Parkway along
West Broad Street. Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #6 performance indicators – 2.6
riders per mile, 21.1 riders per hour, and $1.90 per rider – are above average, average and
average, respectively. The existing boardings and alightings data from the Ridecheck Survey
indicate that this route would be a good candidate for increasing service frequency. The land
uses and densities along the route also support increasing service.
Proposed service modifications: (1) Run Saturday route alignment (westbound Hancock Avenue
and eastbound Broad Street) on weekdays and also deviate to Park at W. Broad (College Place)
apartments. This will consolidate key route #6a stops such as the Athens-Clarke County Health
Department onto route #6. The Pauldoe Court housing off Hawthorne would be served by
realigned route #5 and (2) Improve the weekday service frequency from 35 to 30 minutes which
would require two buses to operate.
Route #6A West Broad / Brooklyn
Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #6A performance indicators – 1.0 rider per mile, 11.1
riders per hour, and $3.81 per rider – are below average. Route #6A provides service on
Hancock Street (within walking distance to #6) and several large apartment complexes (for
example, Pauldoe Court, College Place).
Proposed service modification: Consolidate #6A with #6 due to its below average productivity
and proximity to other routes. Route #6 is proposed to be realigned to serve the Athens-Clarke
County Health Department and apartment complex at Park at W. Broad (College Place). Refer to
route #6 description above.
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4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-3
Route #5 Baxter / Alps / Hawthorne / Homewood
Route #5 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
6.0
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
25.0
Cycle Time (minutes)
60
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
6:18am - 6:35pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
7:45am - 7:05pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
162
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
12.3
Total Population Served
8,002
Low Income Population Served
1,654
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Proposed
6.2
25.0
60
6:15am - 10:45pm
30-min & 60-min evenings
7:15am - 9:45pm
60
2
359
29.0
7,186
1,428
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4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-4
Route #6 West Broad / Atlanta Highway
Route #6 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
4.0
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
16.5
Cycle Time (minutes)
35
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
6:12am - 6:46pm
Frequency (minutes)
35
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
8:15am - 6:53pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
171
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
12.6
Total Population Served
7,500
Low Income Population Served
1,359
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Proposed
4.7
24.0
60
6:15am - 6:45pm
30
8:15am - 6:45pm
60
2
235
25.0
7,500
1,359
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Route #7 Prince Avenue
(Refer to Figure 4-5).
Route #7 presently operates one bus in a large counter-clockwise loop serving downtown
Athens, Prince Avenue, Homewood Shopping Center, Hawthorne Avenue, Oglethorpe
Avenue/Tallassee Road, Westchester Drive/Chalfont Drive (apartments), Alps Road, Baxter
Street, and UGA. Service is provided in the clockwise direction by #5 Beechwood/Baxter. Buses
run every 60 minutes, Monday - Friday. Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #7
performance indicators – 1.5 riders per mile, 20.1 riders per hour, and $2.14 per rider – are
average. The operation of two large loops, #5 and #7, results in circuitous trips for most riders
and tends to be confusing to riders.
Proposed service modifications: (1) Modify #7 to be a two-way route serving the Prince Avenue
corridor between downtown and Homewood Shopping Center; (2) Revise downtown routing to
MMTC via Dougherty Street, Lumpkin Street, and Broad Street; (3) Improve the weekday service
frequency from 60 to 30 minutes; (4) Add Saturday service every 60 minutes; (5) Provide
evening service on weekdays and Saturdays and early morning Saturday service every 60
minutes; and (6) Develop a superstop at Homewood Shopping Center to accommodate transfers
between #5, #7, and #32.
Route #8 Barber/ Chase Garnet Ridge
(Refer to Figures 4-6 and 4-7).
Proposed Change: #8A Barber /Boulevard / Oglethorpe / Chalfont
#8B Barber / Newton Bridge / Garnet Ridge
Route #8 presently operates one bus on a very long route that serves a low income, in-town
neighborhood (Barber Street, Boulevard), major employers, and low density, low income
neighborhoods in north Athens. Buses run every 60 minutes, weekdays and Saturdays.
Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #8 performance indicators – 0.8 riders per mile, 13.6
riders per hour, and $3.23 per rider – are below average.
Several route modifications are proposed to #8 in conjunction with proposed changes to routes
#5 and #7. The Ridecheck Survey shows potential demand for increased service frequency and
evening service if #8 and #5 are modified as proposed.
Proposed service modifications: (1) Split Route #8 into two routes: #8A would serve the new
MMTC, downtown Athens, Barber Street, Oneta Street (Goldkist Poultry), Chase Street,
Boulevard, Satula Avenue, Oglethorpe Avenue, and Tallassee Road/Mitchell Bridge Road area to
serve Westside Heights/Chalfont Drive apartments (replacing service now provided by #5 and
#7). #8B would serve major employers such as Pilgrims Pride (formerly Con-Agra) poultry plant,
Blue Ridge Paper Products, and Power Partners as well as the Holland Sports Complex and north
Athens neighborhoods along Barber Street, Rowe Road, N. Chase Street, Newton Bridge Road
and Vincent Drive. Routing from Barber Street/Prince Avenue to the MMTC is proposed along
Finley Street and Broad Street. Service along Lavender Road, Roberts Road and Whitehead Road
now operated by the #8 would be replaced by a new neighborhood circulator - #32; (2) Provide
evening service on weekdays and Saturdays and early morning Saturday service every 60
minutes on #8A; and (3) Operate buses on route #8A every 30 minutes on weekdays, and every
60 minutes on evenings and Saturdays and buses on route #8B every 60 minutes during the day,
Monday to Saturday.
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4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-5
Route #7 Prince Avenue
Route #7 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
6.5
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
26.5
Cycle Time (minutes)
60
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
6:35am - 6:38pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
168
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
12.1
Total Population Served
8,002
Low Income Population Served
1,654
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Proposed
3.8
14.0
30
6:00am - 10:30pm
30-min & 60-min evenings
7:00am - 9:30 pm
60
1
220
14.5
7,850
1,539
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Figure 4-6
Route #8A Barber / Boulevard / Oglethorpe / Chalfont
Route #8A Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
na
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
na
Cycle Time (minutes)
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
na
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
na
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
na
Total Population Served
na
Low Income Population Served
na
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Proposed
6.0
28.8
60
6:00am - 10:30pm
30-min & 60-min evenings
7:00am - 9:30pm
60
2
348
29.0
5,589
862
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Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-7
Route #8B Barber / Newton Bridge / Garnet Ridge
Route #8/8B Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
8
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
27.5
Cycle Time (minutes)
60
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
6:10am - 6:40pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
9:45am - 6:40pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
200
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
12.5
Total Population Served
5,329
Low Income Population Served
1,308
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
5.9
28.3
60
6:10am - 6:40pm
60
8:10am - 6:40pm
60
1
148
12.5
4,520
1,121
4-14
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Route #9 Macon Highway / Five Points
(Refer to Figure 4-8).
Route #9 presently operates one bus connecting south Athens neighborhoods with downtown
Athens and the UGA campus, with a large counter-clockwise loop along South Lumpkin Street,
Macon Highway and South Milledge Avenue. Buses run every 60 minutes, Monday - Friday.
Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #9 performance indicators – 1.8 riders per mile, 19.4
riders per hour, and $2.12 per rider – are average. Route #9 would be the most logical route to
provide service to a proposed superstop/park and ride lot near the SR 10 Loop/South Milledge
Avenue interchange. The new ridership generated by the park and ride lot, along with the
existing boardings and alightings data from the Ridecheck Survey, indicates that this route would
be a good candidate for increasing service frequency. The land uses and densities along the
route also support increasing service. Also, the Ridecheck data shows potential demand for
evening service.
Proposed service modifications: (1) Improve the weekday service frequency from 60 to 30
minutes which would require two buses to operate; (2) Provide evening service on weekdays
every 60 minutes; and (3) Develop a superstop/park and ride lot near the SR 10 Loop/South
Milledge Avenue interchange to accommodate transfers between #9, #14, and #33.
Route #12 Riverbend
(Refer to Figure 4-9).
Route #12 presently operates three buses serving the UGA campus and numerous apartment
complexes along Riverbend Parkway. Buses run every 20 minutes, Monday - Friday. Referring
to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #12 performance indicators – 8.3 riders per mile, 45.9 riders per
hour, and $0.92 per rider – are above average.
Proposed service modification: UGA-oriented routes are subject to ongoing service monitoring
and improvements, as necessary. When the proposed College Station park and ride lot is
completed (refer to Chapter 5), the #12 ridership should be closely monitored to determine if it is
necessary to improve the service frequency, particularly during morning and afternoon peak
periods.
Route #14 East Campus / South Milledge
(Refer to Figure 4-10).
Route #14 presently operates three buses serving the UGA campus, UGA Family and Graduate
Housing, and numerous apartment complexes on South Milledge Avenue between East Campus
Road and University Commons (Lakeside Drive). Buses run every 20 minutes, Monday - Friday.
Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #14 performance indicators – 3.6 riders per mile, 31.3
riders per hour, and $1.42 per rider – are above average.
Proposed service modification: UGA-oriented routes are subject to ongoing service monitoring
and improvements, as necessary. Also develop a superstop/park and ride lot near the SR 10
Loop/South Milledge Avenue interchange to accommodate transfers between #9, #14, and #33.
Dovetail Consulting
4-15
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-8
Route #9 Macon Highway / Five Points
Route #9 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
7.5
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
28.5
Cycle Time (minutes)
60
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
7:00am - 6:57pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
146
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
12.0
Total Population Served
8,291
Low Income Population Served
1,018
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
7.5
28.5
30
6:00am - 10:30pm
30-min & 60-min evenings
na
na
2
435
29.0
8,291
1,018
4-16
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-9
Route #12 Riverbend
Route #12 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
4
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
25.0
Cycle Time (minutes)
50
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
7:00am - 6:45pm
Frequency (minutes)
20
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
3
Mon-Thurs Revenue Bus-Miles
308
Mon-Thurs Revenue Bus-Hours
33.1
Friday Revenue Bus-Miles
216
Friday Revenue Bus-Hours
22.3
Total Population Served
7,020
Low Income Population Served
1,408
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
4
25.0
50
7:00am - 6:45pm
20
na
na
3
308
33.1
216
22.3
7,020
1,408
4-17
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-10
Route #14 East Campus / South Milledge
Route #14 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
4
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
25.0
Cycle Time (minutes)
50
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
7:15am - 6:31pm
Frequency (minutes)
20
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
3
Mon-Thurs Revenue Bus-Miles
236
Mon-Thurs Revenue Bus-Hours
24.4
Friday Revenue Bus-Miles
208.0
Friday Revenue Bus-Hours
22.4
Total Population Served
16,942
Low Income Population Served
1,982
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
4
25.0
50
7:15am - 6:31pm
20
na
na
3
236
24.4
208.0
22.4
16,942
1,982
4-18
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Route #20 Georgia Square Mall
(Refer to Figure 4-11).
Route #20 presently operates one bus connecting downtown Athens, development along West
Broad Street/Atlanta Highway, Georgia Square Mall, development along Alps Road/Baxter Street,
and the UGA North campus. Route #20 runs westbound on West Broad Street and eastbound on
Alps Road/Baxter Street. Buses run every 60 minutes, weekdays and Saturdays. Referring to
Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #20 performance indicators – 2.6 riders per mile, 28.9 riders per
hour, and $1.41 per rider – are above average. From the Ridecheck Survey data, the boardings
and alightings for the currently operated trips indicate that this route would be a good candidate
for increasing service frequency and providing evening service. The operating hours of Georgia
Square Mall and other commercial developments along the route also support extended evening
service.
Proposed service modifications: (1) Revise alignment from UGA Memorial Hall to MMTC for more
direct routing; (2) Improve the weekday service frequency from 60 to 30 minutes which would
require two buses to operate; (3) Provide evening service on weekdays and Saturdays and early
morning Saturday service every 60 minutes and (4) Develop a superstop along with the park and
ride lot at Georgia Square Mall to accommodate transfers between #20 and #30.
Route #24 Athens Tech
(Refer to Figure 4-12).
Route #24 presently operates one bus between downtown Athens and Athens Tech via North
Avenue (returning via 4th Street and Strickland Avenue), Old Hull Road, SR 72, US 29 and
Athena Drive. Major stops include DFCS, Athens Tech and the GED Building. Buses run every 60
minutes, Monday - Friday. Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #24 performance indicators
– 1.0 riders per mile, 10.4 riders per hour, and $4.24 per rider – are below average. However,
the productivity for March 2005 shows an increase in ridership – 17.3 riders per hour and 1.2
riders per mile. This route provides an important link to Athens Tech, the GED Building, DFCS
and major employers in the Athena Drive, Old Hull Road and US 29 area. Route #24 would be
the most logical route to provide service to a proposed park and ride lot at the SR 10 Loop/US 29
interchange. The route ending at the new MMTC provides the opportunity for the route to be
extended farther out to better serve major employers (such as McLane Southeast Grocery
Distribution, Invista, Merial Limited, Nakanishi Manufacturing Corporation, Silgan Closures,
Noramco, Conwed Plastics, Fibervisions Products Company, etc.) in the growing northeast Athens
industrial area. More direct service between the major employers, residential areas, the GED
Building and Athens Tech will provide a synergy for recruiting, training and retaining
manufacturing, service and other employees. Adding evening service would provide access to
evening classes at the GED Building and Athens Tech.
Proposed service modifications: (1) Aggressively market service to major employers in the
service area; (2) From Old Hull Road/Calhoun Drive, proposed alignment would be west on
Calhoun Road, north on Collins Industrial Boulevard, Hull Road, east on Voyles Road, south on
Olympic Drive, west on Athena Drive, north on Old Hull Road, south on Collins Industrial
Boulevard, east on Athena Drive, and south on Old Hull Road returning to the MMT; (3) Provide
evening service on weekdays every 60 minutes; and (4) Develop a superstop at the Bi-Lo Center
to accommodate transfers between #1, #24, and #31. When the proposed SR 10 Loop/US 29
park and ride lot is completed (refer to Chapter 5), the #24 ridership should be closely monitored
to determine if it is necessary to improve the service frequency, particularly during morning and
afternoon peak periods.
Dovetail Consulting
4-19
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-11
Route #20 Georgia Square Mall
Route #20 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
7.0
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
26.0
Cycle Time (minutes)
60
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
6:45am - 6:37pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
8:45am - 6:37pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
175
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
11.9
Total Population Served
6,168
Low Income Population Served
1,052
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
7.2
27.0
60
6:15am - 10:45pm
30-min & 60-min evenings
7:15am - 9:45pm
60
2
418
29.0
6,168
1,052
4-20
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-12
Route #24 Athens Tech
Route #24 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
4.0
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
11.0
Cycle Time (minutes)
30
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
6:45am - 6:07pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
0.5
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
96
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
6.0
Total Population Served
2,796
Low Income Population Served
859
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
8.1
28.6
60
6:30am - 11:00pm
60
na
na
1
203
16.5
3,468
1,040
4-21
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Route #25 Lexington Road / Gaines School
(Refer to Figure 4-13).
Proposed Change: College Station Road / Gaines School Road /
Lexington Road
Route #25 presently operates one bus connecting southeast Athens with the UGA campus and
downtown Athens with a large clockwise loop along Lexington Road, Gaines School Road and
College Station Road. Route #26 runs the same route in the counter-clockwise direction. Buses
run every 60 minutes, weekdays and Saturdays. Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #25
performance indicators – 1.4 riders per mile, 21.0 riders per hour, and $2.02 per rider – are
average. The operation of the two large loops on #25 and #26 tends to be confusing to riders
and requires many riders to take the “other” bus for return trips. From the Ridecheck Survey
data, the boardings and alightings for the currently operated trips indicate that this route would
be a good candidate for increasing service frequency and providing evening service. The land
uses and densities along the route also support increasing service.
Proposed service modifications: (1) Modify #25 to be a two-way route connecting downtown
Athens at the MMTC, UGA, College Station Road, Gaines School Road, Lexington Road and WalMart; (2) Improve the weekday service frequency from 60 to 30 minutes; (3) Develop a
superstop at the Wal-Mart to accommodate transfers between #25, #26, #27, and #31; and (4)
Provide evening service on weekdays and Saturdays and early morning Saturday service every 60
minutes.
Route #26 College Station / Barnett Shoals
(Refer to Figure 4-14).
Proposed Change: Oconee Street / Lexington Road
Route #26 presently operates one bus connecting southeast Athens with the UGA campus and
downtown Athens with a large counter-clockwise loop along College Station Road, Gaines School
Road, and Lexington Road. Route #25 runs the same route in the clockwise direction. Buses
run every 60 minutes, Monday - Friday. Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #26
performance indicators – 1.7 riders per mile, 21.2 riders per hour, and $1.99 per rider – are
average. The operation of the two large loops on #25 and #26 tends to be confusing to riders
and requires many riders to take the “other” bus for return trips. From the Ridecheck Survey
data, the boardings and alightings for the currently operated trips indicate that this route would
be a good candidate for increasing service frequency. The land uses served by the route also
support increasing service and providing Saturday service.
Proposed service modifications: (1) Realign #26 to be a two-way route connecting downtown
Athens at the MMTC, UGA, Oconee Street, Lexington Road and Wal-Mart; (2) Improve the
weekday service frequency from 60 to 30 minutes; (3) Develop a superstop at the Wal-Mart to
accommodate transfers between #25, #26, #27, and #31; and (4) Provide Saturday service
every 60 minutes.
Dovetail Consulting
4-22
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-13
Route #25 College Station Road / Gaines School Road / Lexington Road
Route #25 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
6.0
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
26.0
Cycle Time (minutes)
60
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
6:15am - 7:07pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
8:45am - 6:40pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
196
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
12.9
Total Population Served
8,168
Low Income Population Served
1,576
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
8.4
36.0
75
6:15am - 10:45pm
30/
60 (evenings)
7:15am - 9:45pm
60
2.5
487
37.3
8,926
1,864
4-23
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-14
Route #26 Oconee Street / Lexington Road
Route #26 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
6.5
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
27.5
Cycle Time (minutes)
60
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
6:45am - 6:40pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
157
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
11.9
Total Population Served
8,168
Low Income Population Served
1,576
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
4.7
18.8
45
6:15am - 6:45pm
30
8:15am - 6:45pm
60
1.5
235
18.8
7,429
1,310
4-24
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
#27 Barnett Shoals / Cedar Shoals
(Refer to Figure 4-15).
Route #27 presently operates one bus connecting southeast Athens with the UGA campus and
downtown Athens via Oconee Street, Barnett Shoals Road, Cedar Shoals Road, and Whit Davis
Road. Connections are provided to the #25 and the #26 at the Wal-Mart on Lexington Road.
Buses run every 60 minutes, Monday - Friday. Referring to Tables 2-12 and 2-13, route #27
performance indicators – 1.7 riders per mile, 19.7 riders per hour, and $2.13 per rider – are
average.
Proposed service modification: No service changes are proposed for #27, except develop a
superstop at the Wal-Mart to accommodate transfers between #25, #26, #27, and #31.
#28 College Station Campus Express
(Refer to Figure 4-16)
Route #28 presently operates one bus connecting southeast Athens with the UGA campus and
downtown Athens via Baldwin Street, Jackson Street, Hooper Street, and Lumpkin Street. Buses
run every 35 minutes, Monday through Thursday.
Proposed service modification: UGA-oriented routes are subject to ongoing service monitoring
and improvements, as necessary. When the proposed College Station park and ride lot is
completed (refer to Chapter 5), the #28 ridership should be closely monitored to determine if it is
necessary to improve the service frequency, particularly during morning and afternoon peak
periods.
#29 MLK / US 441 / Sandy Creek Park
(Refer to Figure 4-17).
Route #29 is a proposed new route that would serve an in-town, low income neighborhood in
north Athens (along MLK Jr. Drive, Ruth Street)and the growing corridor along US441 (Commerce
Road), with service to Sandy Creek Park during hours of operation via Bob Holman Road. Sandy
Creek Park is closed Mondays and hours vary seasonally. Buses would run every 60 minutes,
Monday - Friday. Route #29 would be the most logical route to provide service to a proposed
park and ride lot for the US 441 corridor.
#30 West Athens Circulator
(Refer to Figure 4-18).
Route #30 presently operates one van between Georgia Square Mall and a residential community
located along west Atlanta Highway. The van runs every 30 minutes, weekdays and Saturdays.
No mid-day service is provided. The typical operating performance range of rural/suburban
circulators is 8-12 riders per hour. Marketing of this service should be undertaken to increase the
ridership.
Proposed service modification: Convert this route to a weekday only, flexible neighborhood
circulator route that would serve the west Athens area. One small bus or van would serve the
area 12.5 hours per day, Monday - Friday. Passengers would be able to connect to #20 and #24
at a proposed superstop along with the park and ride lot at Georgia Square Mall.
Dovetail Consulting
4-25
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-15
Route #27 Barnett Shoals / Cedar Shoals
Route #27 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
7.5
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
29.0
Cycle Time (minutes)
60
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
6:45am - 6:43pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
188
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
12.0
Total Population Served
5,630
Low Income Population Served
1,086
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
7.5
29.0
60
6:30am - 7:00pm
60
na
na
1
188
12.5
5,630
1,086
4-26
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-16
Route #28 College Station Campus Express
Route #28 Characteristics
Existing as of 8/15/05
One-Way Route Length (miles)
4.6
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
17.0
Cycle Time (minutes)
35
Weekday Service (Mon-Thurs):
Hours of Operation
7:20am - 9:25am
Frequency (minutes)
35
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
32
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
2.1
Total Population Served
6,581
Low Income Population Served
1,321
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
4.6
17.0
35
7:20am - 9:25am
35
na
na
1
32
2.1
6,581
1,321
4-27
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-17
Route #29 MLK / US 441 / Sandy Creek Park
Route #29 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
na
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
na
Cycle Time (minutes)
na
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
na
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
na
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
na
Total Population Served
na
Low Income Population Served
na
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
6.4
26.0
60
6:15am - 6:45pm
60
na
na
1
160
12.5
5,204
882
4-28
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-18
Route #30 West Athens Circulator
Route #30 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
3.9
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
15.0
Cycle Time (minutes)
30
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
8:05am - 10:35am
4:05pm - 6:20pm
Frequency (minutes)
30
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
8:50am - 11:05am
4:05pm - 6:20pm
Frequency (minutes)
30
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
88
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
5.0
Total Population Served
1,528
Low Income Population Served
325
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
7.0
25.0
60
7:15am - 7:45pm
60
na
na
na
1
175
12.5
6,143
1,568
4-29
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
#31 North Athens Circulator
(Refer to Figure 4-19).
Route #31 presently operates one van between the Bi-Lo Center on North Avenue, Athens Tech
and low-density neighborhoods in north and east Athens. The van operates only during AM and
PM periods at 60 minute frequency, weekdays and Saturdays. The typical operating performance
range of rural/suburban circulators is 8-12 riders per hour. Marketing of this service should be
undertaken to increase the ridership. Route #31 would be the most logical route to provide
service to Winterville to meet needs identified in that community.
Proposed service modifications: (1) Serve portions of the route with modifications to routes #1,
#2, and #24 as described above and (2) Convert this route to a weekday only, flexible
neighborhood circulator route that would serve the North Athens area including Winterville. One
small bus or van would serve the area 12.5 hours per day, Monday - Friday. Passengers would
be able to connect to #1 and #24 at a proposed superstop at the Bi-Lo Center and to #25, #26,
and #27 at a proposed superstop at the Wal-Mart.
#32 Northwest Athens Circulator
(Refer to Figure 4-20).
Route #32 is a proposed new flexible neighborhood circulator route that would serve the
Jefferson Road and Tallassee Road corridors and neighborhoods in the northwest Athens area.
One small bus or van would serve the area 12.5 hours per day, Monday - Friday. Passengers
would be able to connect to #5 and #7 at a proposed superstop at the Homewood Shopping
Center.
#33 Whitehall / Old Lexington Circulator
(Refer to Figure 4-21).
Route #33 is a proposed new flexible neighborhood circulator route that would serve the South
Milledge Avenue corridor and growing areas of southeast Athens along Whitehall Road, Barnett
Shoals Road, Old Lexington Road and Whit Davis Road. One small bus or van would serve the
area 12.5 hours per day, Monday - Friday. Passengers would be able to connect to #9 and #14
at a proposed superstop/park and ride lot near the SR 10 Loop/South Milledge Avenue
interchange.
Dovetail Consulting
4-30
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-19
Route #31 North Athens Circulator
Route #31 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
8.2
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
30.0
Cycle Time (minutes)
60
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
5:55am - 8:45am
4:50pm - 6:45pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
7:55am - 10:45am
4:50pm - 6:45pm
Frequency (minutes)
60
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
1
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
98
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
5.0
Total Population Served
3,175
Low Income Population Served
709
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
7.0
25.0
60
6:15am - 6:45pm
60
na
na
na
1
175
12.5
7,672
1,710
4-31
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-20
Route #32 Northwest Athens Circulator
Route #32 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
na
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
na
Cycle Time (minutes)
na
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
na
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
na
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
na
Total Population Served
na
Low Income Population Served
na
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
7.0
25.0
60
7:15am - 7:45pm
60
na
na
1
175
12.5
4,105
888
4-32
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
Figure 4-21
Route #33 Whitehall / Old Lexington Circulator
Route #33 Characteristics
Existing
One-Way Route Length (miles)
na
One-Way Run Time (minutes)
na
Cycle Time (minutes)
na
Weekday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Saturday Service:
Hours of Operation
na
Frequency (minutes)
na
Operating Parameters:
Peak Buses
na
Weekday Revenue Bus-Miles
na
Weekday Revenue Bus-Hours
na
Total Population Served
na
Low Income Population Served
na
Dovetail Consulting
Proposed
7.0
25.0
60
6:15am - 6:45pm
60
na
na
1
175
12.5
7,573
1,566
4-33
Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
The Transit Concept Plan also examined the potential for expanding transit services to growing
areas of the MACORTS area outside of Athens-Clarke County such as southern Madison County
and northern Oconee County. Any such service outside Athens-Clarke County would require
participation from the affected local governments to provide the local cost share to provide the
transit service. For example, the participation could be a contract services agreement between
ATS and the local government. The highest potential services for future consideration would be:
1) providing weekday service between Watkinsville and downtown/UGA campus, 2) providing
weekday service between a proposed park and ride lot at Epps Bridge Parkway/SR 10 Loop and
downtown, and 3) providing flexible, demand responsive Neighborhood Circulators in the
remaining low density areas of the MACORTS area that are currently not served. None of these
potential future services are included in the recommended Transit Concept Plan.
4.2
PROPOSED OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
Table 4-1 describes the proposed route modifications and resulting operating requirements. For
each route, one-way time and distance, headway times, peak buses, and daily and annual
revenue vehicle-miles and revenue vehicle-hours is given. The proposed changes require 32
peak buses with a system total of 5,053 daily revenue vehicle miles and 397 daily revenue vehicle
hours on weekdays, and 1,502 revenue vehicle miles and 119 daily revenue vehicle hours on
Saturdays. No Sunday service is proposed in the Transit Concept Plan. Full implementation of
the proposed Transit Concept Plan would result in an annual operating level of approximately
1,374,400 revenue vehicle miles and 106,200 revenue vehicle hours, an annual increase of
approximately 655,100 revenue vehicle miles and 49,600 revenue vehicle hours over existing ATS
operations.
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Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
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Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
4.3
ESTIMATED OPERATING COSTS
Annual O&M costs were estimated for the proposed Transit Concept Plan using ATS’ FY 2003
costs and operating data from the 2003 National Transit Database (NTD) which breaks out the
costs for Vehicle Operations, Vehicle Maintenance, Non-Vehicle Maintenance, and General
Administration. The NTD data was used to develop a three variable cost model, with unit
operating costs per revenue bus-hour, revenue bus-mile, and peak bus. ATS’ costs were inflated
to FY 2005 dollars. The resulting cost model in 2005 dollars was $33.44 per revenue bus-hour +
$0.57 per revenue bus-mile + $31,292 per peak bus. The cost model was applied to the
projected operating statistics for each route to calculate annual operations and maintenance
costs for each individual route. Table 4-2 presents the annual operating costs for each individual
route and the total system.
Table 4-2
Estimated Annual Operating Costs
No.
Route
1
2
5
6
7
8A
8B
9
12
14
20
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
North Avenue / Danielsville Road
East Athens
Baxter / Alps / Hawthorne / Homewood
West Broad/Atlanta Highway
Prince Avenue
Barber / Boulevard / Oglethorpe / Chalfont
Barber / Newton Bridge / Garnet Ridge
Macon Highway / Five Points
Riverbend
East Campus / South Milledge
Georgia Square Mall
Athens Tech
College Station Rd / Gaines School Rd / Lexington Rd
Oconee Street / Lexington Road
Barnett Shoals / Cedar Shoals
College Station Campus Express
MLK / US 441 / Sandy Creek Park
West Athens Circulator
North Athens Circulator
Northwest Athens Circulator
Whitehall / Old Lexington Circulator
Route Totals
Annual Vehicle
Revenue-Miles
Annual Vehicle
Revenue-Hours
79,380
72,970
100,370
64,740
60,980
97,260
43,910
110,490
35,100
50,910
116,830
67,820
136,140
64,740
47,750
4,050
4,050
8,110
6,890
4,050
8,110
3,720
7,370
6,360
5,820
8,110
4,190
10,570
5,300
3,180
6,530
40,640
44,450
44,450
44,450
44,450
430
3,180
3,180
3,180
3,180
3,180
1,374,360
106,210
Annual Operating
Peak Buses Costs (2005 dollars)*
$212,398
1
$208,711
1
$391,543
2
$330,247
2
$201,814
1
$389,754
2
$180,959
1
$372,617
2
$326,764
3
$317,799
3
$401,011
2
$210,431
1
$510,035
2.5
$261,427
1.5
$165,108
1
$49,429
1
$161,018
1
$163,210
1
$163,210
1
$163,210
1
$163,210
1
32
$5,343,905
Note:
* FY 2003 Operating Costs have been inflated to reflect FY 2005 dollars.
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Athens Transit System
Transit Development Plan
4.0 – Transit Concept Plan
PROJECTED PASSENGER RIDERSHIP AND REVENUE
Future ridership was projected using ATS’ existing route-level ridership and elasticity factors for
changes in service levels and route alignments. Revenue forecasts were then applied by
calculating an average fare per passenger. ATS budget data were used to estimate an average
fare of $0.84 (adjusted for the July 2005 fare increase to $1.25 for adult cash fares) for “The
Bus” routes. For neighborhood circulator “The Link” type services, an average fare of $1.875
was assumed based on a $2.50 adult cash fare and assuming a ridership mix of 50% full cash
fares and 50% discounted fares. Annual projected passenger revenue was calculated by
applying the average fare per passenger to the ridership forecasts. Table 4-3 presents existing
and proposed annual ridership and annual projected passenger revenue for each individual route
and the total system.
Table 4-3
Existing and Proposed Annual Passenger Ridership and Annual Projected Passenger
Revenue
No.
1
2
5
6/6A
7
8A
8B
9
12
14
20
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
Route
North Avenue / Danielsville Road
East Athens
Baxter / Alps / Hawthorne / Homewood
West Broad / Atlanta Highway
Prince Avenue
Barber / Boulevard / Oglethorpe / Chalfont
Barber / Newton Bridge / Garnet Ridge
Macon Highway / Five Points
Riverbend
East Campus / South Milledge
Georgia Square Mall
Athens Tech
College Station Rd / Gaines School Rd / Lexington Rd
Oconee St / Lexington Rd
Barnett Shoals / Cedar Shoals
College Station Campus Express
MLK / US 441 / Sandy Creek Park
West Athens Circulator
North Athens Circulator
Northwest Athens Circulator
Whitehall / Old Lexington Circulator
Annual Ridership
Existing
Proposed
112,318
151,790
79,399
103,037
84,804
148,462
102,148
125,086
62,619
94,549
na
132,039
50,850
55,935
66,770
111,961
291,538
320,692
182,169
200,386
107,307
187,472
22,904
43,276
81,717
179,096
68,620
104,151
61,307
67,438
39,168
43,085
na
57,150
na
22,225
na
22,225
na
22,225
na
22,225
Annual Totals
Increase over existing
1,413,638
330,764
2,214,505
800,867
Annual Projected
Passenger Revenue
$127,503
$86,551
$124,708
$105,073
$79,421
$110,913
$46,985
$94,047
$269,381
$168,324
$157,477
$36,352
$150,441
$87,487
$56,648
$36,191
$48,006
$41,672
$41,672
$41,672
$41,672
$1,952,196
$764,740
Note:
Annual projected passenger revenue calculated using $0.84 average fare for "The Bus" fixed
routes and $1.875 average fare for "The Link" type flexible circulator routes (#30 - #33).
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