Henry Connect bus pilot approved: fixed route from Stockbridge to McDonough, $850K capital cost and $650K annual operations estimated

Henry County commissioners on May 6 approved a pilot fixed-route bus service called Henry Connect, running between Stockbridge and Downtown McDonough, and adopted a bus stop placemaking plan for four initial shelters. Officials said the pilot aims to begin service in fall 2025, run weekdays from about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with 60-minute frequency and a one-way fare estimated at $2.50.

Transit staff and consultants told the board the pilot route connects major destinations including Downtown McDonough, Stockbridge City Hall and amphitheater, Piedmont Henry Hospital and the Stockbridge Park & Ride. Planners estimate 23,800 residents and more than 9,000 jobs lie within a half mile of the proposed stops. Initial capital costs for signage, stops and basic amenities were estimated at $850,000, with annual operating costs about $650,000. County staff said federal operating grant support of roughly $1.6 million over three years is available, with a local match of approximately $400,000 over that period; after three years the board will reassess funding and performance.

The county presented a companion creative placemaking plan to design stops that reflect local identity. Consultants described four concept stops: a courthouse/library-inspired stop in McDonough, a train-themed stop at Alexander Park West, a music-themed stop near Stockbridge City Hall, and a branded stop along Jonesboro Road. The plan includes community engagement steps, artist involvement, and recommendations for safety features such as lighting, cameras and mid-block crossings where appropriate.

Commissioners asked about service hours, stops in Locust Grove and Hampton, shelter lighting and crosswalk safety. Consultants and transit staff said Locust Grove and Hampton were invited to participate; Hampton did not. Staff said other routes identified in the county’s transit master plan could add those cities later. Transit staff confirmed senior ride-on-demand service remains available countywide and will be coordinated with the new fixed route.

Board members and city representatives noted intergovernmental coordination will be needed for stop construction and for road-widening projects that might affect stop siting; staff said temporary stop locations could be used while larger corridor projects proceed and that SPLOST project teams would coordinate designs to avoid duplicative work. The board approved both the Henry Connect pilot route implementation and the bus stop placemaking plan by unanimous votes; staff will proceed with NEPA checklist, paratransit planning, scheduling, signage procurement and driver hiring ahead of the planned fall launch.