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Board holds hearing on South Cobb CobbLinc microtransit expansion as cost per ride falls to $27.35
Summary
DOT presented data showing ridership growth for South Cobb microtransit and a drop in cost per ride to $27.35; residents at the public hearing were sharply divided, with opponents citing past votes against a transit tax and supporters highlighting access to jobs and services.
DOT Director Drew Ressler told the Board that the South Cobb CobbLinc microtransit zone has expanded ridership since its November 2024 start from roughly 800 monthly rides to more than 3,000 and that "that cost per ride has, decreased to $27.35." He asked the board to conduct a public hearing to complete the FTA Title VI service equity analysis for a proposed expansion into southwest Mableton that would add about six square miles and reach an estimated 115,000 residents and 17,000 jobs.
The hearing drew multiple speakers opposed to expanding microtransit. Christine Rosman of Marietta said residents felt the county was "bypassing" prior voter rejection of a transit tax and cited that "over 60% of Cobb County citizens said no to that." Lance Lamberton and Gary Henderson warned about long-term costs if federal and state subsidies end and questioned whether the service should be scaled back or the voucher program improved instead.
Supporters also spoke. Matt Segal, a District 1 resident who serves on the transit advisory board, said the Title VI analysis found no disparate impact on minority or low-income populations and argued the service connects people to jobs and essential retail, noting Walmart as a top destination. Commissioners debated trade-offs in public comments: Commissioner Sheffield framed microtransit as a tool for access and independence for seniors and workers, while Commissioner Gambrill pressed DOT on fare mechanics and contingency plans if grant funds run short.
DOT confirmed the current one-way fare is $2.50 and said grants and formula funds are being monitored; if grants expire the department could scale back service or return to the board to request local funds. No final authorization was requested at the hearing stage; staff said authorization and contract items will come to a future agenda for board consideration.
