The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has approved a plan to transition the Ride Gwinnett commuter service to the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority’s Xpress system. This change, which aims to enhance service efficiency and lower rider costs while eliminating the need for the County to replace old buses, is scheduled to take effect on June 16.
The decision follows a regional planning study conducted by ATL in 2023, which suggested the consolidation of overlapping commuter services along the I-85 corridor to achieve these goals. The transition is expected to result in fare savings for commuters and relieve Gwinnett County from the financial burden of replacing aging commuter buses.
Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson expressed support for the decision, stating, “This is a fiscally responsible move that expands access and aligns us with a more integrated regional transit system. It’s about making transit work better for the people who rely on it every day.”
To ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in federally assisted programs, Gwinnett County conducted a Title VI Equity Analysis and held extensive public outreach meetings. These included two virtual public meetings, a public hearing, and an informational session aimed at educating and gathering feedback from current riders.
“This transition represents the strength of regional collaboration,” said Gwinnett Transportation Director Lewis Cooksey. “It also allows us to reinvest in other critical transportation priorities while continuing to meet the needs of our riders.”
Gwinnett County will work to finalize an agreement with ATL Xpress, which will be considered formally by the Board in May. More information about Ride Gwinnett services and the proposed transition can be found at www.RideGwinnett.com.
