Funding will allow henry connect to operate fixed route local bus service between the cities of stockbridge and mcdonough including serving the piedmont henry hospital

The Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration awarded Henry County Commissioners of Roads & Revenues $3,625,000 on April 16, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to operate fixed-route local bus service between Stockbridge and McDonough, Georgia.

The funding covers three years of operating, maintenance, and start-up capital expenses through March 30, 2034. Operating and maintenance activities include driver salaries, dispatch, fuel, and preventative maintenance. Capital expenses include the purchase of vehicles and related equipment, and the purchase and installation of bus stop signage and shelters. The service will connect Piedmont Henry Hospital, provide connectivity to the ATL Xpress commuter bus park-and-ride lot in Stockbridge, and integrate with MARTA bus route 197 and the McDonough microtransit zone operated by Henry Connect.

The intended beneficiaries include all Henry County residents and employees, particularly 23,800 residents and 9,100 workers living and working within one-half mile of the proposed route. The service is expected to reduce congestion near the park-and-ride facility and outside the microtransit service zone while providing air quality benefits by reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips along the corridor. The award identifies no sub-recipients.

Activities

Funds will be used to cover all eligible operations planning three years of operating and maintenance and start-up capital expenses. Operating and maintenance activities include items such as driver salaries dispatch fuel and preventative maintenance. Capital expenses include items such as the purchase of vehicles and related equipment and purchase and installation of bus stop signage and shelters.

Expected outcomes

The new service introduces an alternate mode of transportation that connects to the existing xpress commuter bus service as well as the microtransit service around mcdonough. By connecting to the existing services the new service provides congestion reduction benefits near the park and ride and outside of the microtransit service zone. The service provides air quality benefits by reducing the need for single-occupancy vehicle trips along the corridor.

Intended beneficiaries

Intended beneficiaries include all henry county residents and employees particularly the 23800 who live and 9100 who work within 1/2 mile of the proposed route as well as the many businesses and employers located along the routes alignment. This route will also enhance mobility and access for henry connects mcdonough zone microtransit users by providing them with expanded connectivity from the microtransit zone to areas in northern henry county and regionally served by the route.