Athens Reporter

Athens-Clarke County Transit has been recognized with the 2024 Georgia Transit Association (GTA) Innovation Award at the annual GTA conference in Columbus, Georgia. The award acknowledges the transit system's dedication to innovation and excellence in public transportation.

Transit Director Vic Pope expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "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." He added that "the Georgia Transit Association Innovation Award memorializes community investment in the continuous improvements in public transportation for all of Athens-Clarke County."

Athens-Clarke County Transit's initiatives include enhancing passenger experiences through over 80 bus shelters and 500 bus stops, many featuring public art installations. The system has also improved wayfinding with 500 static signs and 50 digital signs such as solar-powered e-ink signs and informational kiosks. These upgrades offer real-time navigation information to riders.

Additionally, a $10 million sales tax-funded Multimodal Transportation Center was completed, designed for future commuter rail integration. The transit authority is implementing an environmentally-conscious fleet transition program to replace diesel buses with hybrid electric vehicles.

The transit system has also pioneered using funds from two Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) programs approved by voters. This initiative increased transit revenue by 50%, from $6 million to $9 million annually while maintaining a fare-free system since the COVID-19 pandemic.

For further details about Athens-Clarke County Transit services, visit www.accgov.com/transit or contact Rachel Hopkins, Transit Marketing Coordinator, at rachel.hopkins@accgov.com.