Athens transit system plans service adjustments for Dec. 22; route alignments to change on Broad Street and College Station

Transit staff told the commission that a winter 2025 service adjustment was approved internally and is planned to take effect Dec. 22.

Jeremy said Route 5 (Beachwood–Baxter) will bypass Jackson Street and add a detour to Lumpkin Street to address congestion around the UGA library and Baldwin Street. Route 6 (Abbey West via Hancock and Broad Street) will change its alignment along Bassett Street to turn onto Magnolia and continue serving Broad Street, complementing Route 20 service in the Georgia Square Mall area. Route 26 (College Station) will be realigned to serve the UGA parking lot off College Station Road (the 23 lot), which staff said will improve access to campus-related stops.

"We did get the green light for that," Jeremy said of the Dec. 22 service adjustment. Staff described the changes as intended to improve reliability and match demand; the adjustments were presented to the county manager in a review the day prior to the commission meeting.

Jeremy also noted that Athens will host the 2025 Georgia Transit Association Conference Oct. 8–10 and that transit will do a driving tour during the conference.

Commissioners asked staff to confirm timing and occupancy expectations and to share public notices once the revised schedules and maps are finalized. Staff said the changes are tentatively scheduled for Dec. 22 and that more detailed service materials will follow.