Mobile rebrands transit as 'Second Line Transit'; city says redesigned system will launch in July

Mayor Stimpson Gaillard announced April 14 that the City of Mobile will rebrand and relaunch its public transportation network as “Second Line Transit,” a name selected through a public naming process that drew about 3,000 votes.

“Based on the results of that survey, Mobilians have selected Second Line Transit as the new name for our redesigned system,” Gaillard said, describing the choice as a tribute to Mobile’s Mardi Gras traditions and adding that the redesign aims to make transit “faster, more reliable, and better connected to all Mobilians.”

The mayor described a multi-modal redesign that will include fixed-route buses, on-demand microtransit, paratransit service and trolley connections. He said the city is partnering with Via and plans to launch the new system in July. The administration said talks with the partner will continue through the launch period and highlighted intentions to use the redesign to support community activation, workforce development and new job opportunities.

City officials told the council they expect app-based scheduling, the ability to plan trips and to schedule rides in advance to be part of the microtransit offering. Councilmember Penn asked whether those features could address targeted transportation barriers for young workers; the mayor said the system is intended to serve people “of every age range, demographic, and neighborhood” and that microtransit could be used to support youth employment and training trips.

The announcement was presented as part of the mayor’s communications at the council meeting; no formal council vote was required for the branding announcement or the upcoming service launch timetable.

The administration said more operational details and rider information will be released in the weeks ahead.