Athens-Clarke County Transit recently received the 2024 Georgia Transit Association (GTA) Innovation Award for its forward-thinking initiatives in public transportation. The award was presented at the annual GTA conference in Columbus, Georgia, highlighting the county's transit efforts and the team's achievements.
According to the Athens-Clarke County website, the GTA Innovation Award was given to Athens-Clarke County Transit for its numerous advancements over the past year. "The ACCGov Transit Department strives to provide quality, reliable public transportation services throughout the Athens-Clarke County community, providing access to opportunity for all residents," said Transit Director Vic Pope.
Key initiatives that earned the GTA's recognition include over 80 high-utility bus shelters and a network of 500 bus stops across the county, many featuring public art installations. Additionally, Athens-Clarke County Transit has enhanced navigational aids for passengers by installing static signs and dynamic digital displays, providing consistent real-time information.
The Transit’s efforts also include the completion of a $10 million Multimodal Transportation Center, designed for future integration with commuter rail services. In addition, a program to replace diesel buses with hybrid electric models supports sustainability goals. These initiatives are funded through two Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) programs, approved by voters, which have increased transit revenue by 50%, from $6 million to $9 million annually, while maintaining fare-free service post-pandemic.
For more details on the transit services and the recent developments in Athens-Clarke County's public transportation, interested individuals are directed to the official Athens-Clarke County Transit website or to contact Rachel Hopkins, Transit Marketing Coordinator, via email at [email protected].
