Henry County is finally getting a true fixed-route bus line. Starting next week, the new Henry Connect service will begin regular runs between downtown McDonough, Piedmont Henry Hospital and Stockbridge, giving commuters, patients and shoppers in northern Henry County a new way to move around without a car. The pilot route is designed to plug directly into existing regional transit while county officials warm residents up with promos and community events during the debut week.
Riders who hop on Henry Connect during its first month may even ride free, as the county looks to build momentum for the new line. That early perk comes as the county widens its transit network and tests demand for the service, according to CBS News Atlanta. The station reports the pilot will center on three main hubs: McDonough, Piedmont Henry Hospital and Stockbridge.
Federal funding And Regional Connections
The rollout is getting a major assist from federal transit dollars that will pay for startup and early operations. Public records show a formula grant awarded to Henry County to support a multi-year pilot of the fixed-route bus line. GovTribe notes the award is structured to cover three years of operations along with related capital needs, including vehicles and bus-stop infrastructure.
County Officials Frame It As Mobility Expansion
Local leaders are pitching Henry Connect as a crucial upgrade in how residents get around a fast-growing county. "With the growth of Henry County, you just want to provide other options," Henry County Transit Director Taleim Salters told FOX 5 Atlanta when the pilot was approved. Officials say the fixed route is meant to complement the existing on-demand microtransit service and give riders more reliable access to jobs, health care and other daily needs.
How The Route Will Run
County documents and local coverage list July 13, 2026, as the official start date for Henry Connect, with buses slated to run roughly once an hour from about 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. Initial budget figures and operating details show the pilot includes the purchase of two buses and the buildout of approximately 58 bus stops, along with a short introductory fare waiver aimed at enticing early riders. The schedule and fare outline were reported by We Are Clayton.
County leaders plan to celebrate the launch with public ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Tuesday, July 7, at McDonough Square and again in Stockbridge, where residents will be able to see a Henry Connect bus up close. Community calendars list the times and locations for both events, according to Eventbrite.
Riders can find route maps, stop locations and service alerts on the county’s transit website or call the transit department at 770-288-7433 for more information. Henry County maintains the latest schedules and rider updates.
