CobbDOT holds public hearings on proposed cuts to Cumberland circulator and 75‑corridor commuter routes

Cobb County Department of Transportation on April 22 held two public hearings to collect public input on proposed changes to Cobblink services: the elimination of the Cumberland green circulator and the consolidation of commuter routes 100, 101 and 102 along the I‑75 corridor.

Drew Ressler, CobbDOT director, told the Board of Commissioners the department recommends considering elimination of the green circulator because it operates with “approximately 37% less ridership than the blue” circulator and duplicates other fixed‑route service. He said any proposed service modification is subject to Federal Transit Administration funding requirements, including a Title VI service‑equity analysis and additional public involvement before the board may adopt changes.

The department also recommended evaluating consolidation of the three commuter routes after coordination with the Atlanta region’s transit agencies. “In accordance with ATL’s Redefine the Ride, ATL is considering increasing service in the 75 Corridor, allowing for partnership funding of commuter service as a replacement,” Ressler said, summarizing staff analysis.

The county opened both hearings for unlimited public comment (three minutes per speaker). Residents who addressed the board urged caution and asked staff to ensure replacement service is ready before cuts occur. JT Jackson (District 2 resident) said any reductions should be paired with a ready alternative or improvements to existing infrastructure—benches, shelters and better stops—so riders are not left without service. Sam Foster (resident) and Rob Gillum (resident) asked the county to delay cuts until ridership trends stabilize, citing recent returns to in‑office work that could raise commuter demand.

Other speakers recommended redesigning service to be competitive with driving by increasing frequency on key corridors, prioritizing bus reliability and investing in transit centers as community hubs. Ian Constantine (resident) said he would not support a “half‑funded” system and urged that funds be directed to increase frequency and reliability on the remaining lines. Several speakers noted past consolidations and urged the county to coordinate closely with ATL Express and other regional providers.

Ressler outlined the county’s public‑input schedule: a public comment period through May 9, in‑person meetings (including April 30 and April 24 for route‑specific outreach), an online meeting on May 6, TAB review and other outreach. He emphasized the Title VI service‑equity analysis must be completed before the board considers adoption of changes.

Commissioners did not vote on service changes at the April 22 meeting; the hearings were part of the service‑equity analysis and public‑involvement process. The board and staff said they will consider public comments as part of the pending analysis and future recommendations to the board.