1987 
Georgia Transit Fact Book 
1986 
Prepared By Georgia Department of Transportation 
Bureau of Public Transportation 
 
 ACKNOWLEDGEM ENTS The Georgia Department of Transportation wishes to express its sincere appreciation to those transit managers, transit planners, state and local officials who provided assistance during the preparation of this document. 
The contents of this report reflect the views of the Georgia Department of Transportation, which is responsible for the fact s and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official view or policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation. This report does not constitute a standard specification or regulation. 
 
 ;EORGIA TRANSIT FACT BOOK 
PREPARED BY BUREAU OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 
THIS REPORT IS THE PRODUCT OF A STUDY FINANCED IN PART BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, URBAN MASS TRANSPORTATION ADMINISTRATION. 
 
 HAL RIVES COMMISSIONER ALVA A. BYROM STATE HIGHWAY ENGINEER 
 
~epartment nf mranspnrtatinn 
~tate of <ieorgia 
,No. 2 Q!apitol ,Square 
J\tlanta_, <ieorgia 30334-1002 
 
JAMES D McGEE DEPUTY COMMISSIONf ARTHUR A. VAUGHI 
TREASURER 
 
THIS DOCUMENT IS THE ELEVENTH EDITION OF THE GEORGIA TRANSIT FAcT BooK. DATA IN THIS EDITION SUMMARIZES PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ACTIVITIES IN GEORGIA FOR CALENDAR 
YEAR 1986, THE DEPARTMENT IS PLEASED TO MAKE THIS 
DOCUMENT AVAILABLE AS A MEANS OF DISSEMINATING INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC AND AS A TOOL FOR PLANNERS AND POLICY MAKERS, 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
URBAN TRANSIT ANALYSIS 
 
3 
 
BUS INVENTORY 
 
3 
 
BUS MILEAGE 
 
3 
 
FINANCES. 
 
4 
 
RIDERSHIP 
 
5 
 
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 
 
5 
 
FARES 
 
6 
 
EMPLOYMENT 
 
6 
 
HOURLY WAGE. 
 
7 
 
CHARTER SERVICE 
 
7 
 
FUEL CONSUMPTION. 
 
7 
 
PARATRANSIT OPERATIONS 
 
48 
 
THE RURAL/ELDERLY & HANDICAPPED PROGRAM 
 
48 
 
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS 
 
49 
 
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT  
 
50 
 
SERVICE AREA CHARACTERISTICS 
 
48 
 
EMPLOYEES 
 
48 
 
SERVICE TYPE 
 
48 
 
FINANCES. 
 
48 
 
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 
 
50 
 
THE GEORGIA PARK AND RIDE LOT PROGRAM  
 
78 
 
THE GEORGIA RIDESHARE PROGRAM (GRP) 
 
85 
 
RAILROAD PASSENGER SERVICE IN GEORGIA 
 
87 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
89 
 
 NUMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 
 
TABLES 
 
PAGE 
 
GEORGIA URBAN TRANSIT SUMMARY 
 
8 
 
10 YEAR ANALYSIS OF TRANSIT EXPENSES AND REVENUES 
 
(1977 - 1986) 
 
9 
 
REVENUE/EXPENSE ANALYSIS FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1986)  
 
11 
 
OPERATING DEFICITS FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1984- 1986) 
 
13 
 
PERCENTAGE OF OPERATING COST RECOVERED FROM 
 
REVENUES BY GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1983- 1986) 
 
14 
 
ANNUAL TRANSIT RIDERSHIP BY CITY (1983- 1986) 
 
16 
 
COMPARISONS OF 1985 AND 1986 RIDERSHIP FOR 
 
GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS BY CITY 
 
18 
 
AVERAGE DAILY RIDERSHIP BY TYPE (1986) 
 
19 
 
ATLANTA ANNUAL RIDERSHIP BY TYPE (1986) 
 
20 
 
SELECTED RIDERSHIP DATA FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1986). 
 
21 
 
COST PER PASSENGER TRIP FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1983- 1986) 
 
22 
 
DEFICIT PER PASSENGER TRIP FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1983- 1986) 
 
24 
 
OPERATING RATIO FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS 
 
(1983 - 1986) 
 
25 
 
SERVICE UTILIZATION FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1986). 
 
26 
 
TOTAL BUS MILEAGE FOR SELECTED CATEGORIES 
 
(1986) 
 
27 
 
PASSENGER TRIPS PER MILE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1983- 1986) 
 
28 
 
COST PER MILE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS 
 
(1983- 1986) 
 
29 
 
REVENUE PER MILE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1983- 1986) 
 
31 
 
DEFICIT PER MILE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1983- 1986) 
 
33 
 
1986 TRANSIT FARES BY CATEGORY  
 
34 
 
ii 
 
 NUMBER 21 22 
23 24 
25A 25B 
26 27 
28 29 
30 31 32 33 34 35 
36 37 38 39 40 
 
PAGE 
 
EMPLOYMENT PROFILE OF GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1986). 
 
35 
 
HOURLY WAGE DISTRIBUTION FOR GEORGIA 
 
TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1986)  
 
36 
 
CHARTER SERVICE RATES (1986) 
 
37 
 
MOTOR FUEL CONSUMPTION IN GALLONS BY 
 
GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1986) 
 
38 
 
GEORGIA TRANSIT EQUIPMENT INVENTORY BY 
 
CITY (1986) 
 
39 
 
GEORGIA TRANSIT EQUIPMENT INVENTORY FOR 
 
MARTA (1986)  
 
41 
 
. TOTAL BUS INVENTORY FOR STATE OF GEORGIA (1986) 
(EXCLUDING ATLANTA) 
 
42 
 
SUMMARY OF SEATING FOR GEORGIA BUSES (1986) 
 
(EXCLUDING MARTA) 
 
43 
 
. SUMMARY OF EQUIPMENT INVENTORY (1983- 1986) 
(EXCLUDING ATLANTA) 
 
44 
 
PEAK/OFF PEAK USAGE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1986). 
 
45 
 
RURAL/E & H PROGRAM SUMMARY (1986). 
 
53 
 
RURAL/E & H STATISTICAL SUMMARY (1979-1986) 
 
55 
 
SERVICE AREA CHARACTERISTICS- GEORGIA 
 
RURAL SYSTEMS (1986) 
 
56 
 
RURAL/E & H TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS (1983-1986) 
 
57 
 
RURAL/E & H PASSENGER TRIPS PER MILE (1983-1986) 
 
58 
 
RURAL/E & H VEHICLE COSTS PER PASSENGER TRIP 
 
(1983-1986) 
 
59 
 
RURAL/E & H VEHICLE COSTS PER MILE (1983-1986)  
 
60 
 
RURAL/E & H PASSENGER TRIPS PER CAPITA (1983-1986) 
 
61 
 
RURAL/E & H TOTAL MILES (1983-1986) 
 
62 
 
SELECTED EXPENSE DATA- GEORGIA RURAL SYSTEMS 
 
(1986) 
 
63 
 
SYSTEM PROFILE- GEORGIA RURAL SYSTEMS (1986)  
 
64 
 
iii 
 
 NUMBER 41 
42 43 
44 45 
46 47 
48 
49 50 
51 52 53 
 
PAGE 
 
16B2 ELDERLY & HANDICAPPED PROGRAM SUMMARY 
 
(1986) 
 
65 
 
/ 
 
16B2 PROGRAM- STATISTICAL SUMMARY (1983-1986). 
 
66 
 
16B2 PROGRAM- PASSENGER TRIPS BY PURPOSE 
 
(1983-1986) 
 
67 
 
16B2 PROGRAM- SELECTED STATISTICS (1986)  
 
69 
 
16B2 PROGRAM- TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 
 
(1983-1986) 
 
70 
 
SECTION 18 PROGRAM SUMMARY (1986) 
 
71 
 
SECTION 18 PROGRAM STATISTICAL SUMMARY 
 
(1983-1986) 
 
72 
 
SECTION 18 PROGRAM- PASSENGER TRIPS BY PURPOSE 
 
(1983-1986) 
 
73 
 
SECTION 18 PROGRAM- SELECTED STATISTICS (1986) 
 
75 
 
SECTION 18 PROGRAM- TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 
 
(1983-1986) 
 
76 
 
RURAL/ELDERLY & HANDICAPPED PROGRAM SUMMARY 
 
77 
 
OPERATING PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES (1986)  
 
82 
 
COMPARISON OF RAIL PASSENGERS BETWEEN 
 
1985 AND 1986  
 
88 
 
A-1 
 
1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR ALBANY 
 
89 
 
A-2 
 
1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR ATHENS 
 
90 
 
A-3 
 
1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR ATLANTA 
 
91 
 
A-4 
 
1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR AUGUSTA 
 
92 
 
A-5 
 
1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR COLUMBUS  
 
93 
 
A-6 
 
1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR MACON 
 
94 
 
A-7 
 
1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR ROME 
 
95 
 
A-8 
 
1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR SAVANNAH  
 
96 
 
iv 
 
 NUMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 
 
FIGURES 
 
PAGE 
 
URBAN TRANSIT SYSTEMS IN GEORGIA 
 
2 
 
OPERATING EXPENSES, REVENUES, AND DEFICITS 
 
FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1979- 1986)  
 
10 
 
OPERATING EXPENSES AND REVENUES FOR GEORGIA 
 
TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1986)  
 
12 
 
PERCENTAGE OF OPERATING COST RECOVERED FROM 
 
REVENUES BY GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1984-1986) 
 
15 
 
GEORGIA TRANSIT RIDERSHIP BY CITY (1983- 1986) 
 
17 
 
COST PER PASSENGER FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1984- 1986) 
 
23 
 
COST PER MILE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS 
 
(1984 - 1986) 
 
30 
 
REVENUE PER MILE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT 
 
SYSTEMS (1984- 1986) 
 
32 
 
UMTA SECTION 9 APPORTIONMENTS FOR GEORGIA 
 
CITIES (FY 1984- FY 1987). 
 
46 
 
UMTA SECTION 9 EXPENDITURES FROM THE GOVERNOR'S 
 
APPORTIONMENT (FY 1984- FY 1986) 
 
47 
 
RURAL/E & H PROGRAMS (1986) 
 
52 
 
RURAL E & H PASSENGERS (1983- 1986) 
 
54 
 
16B2 PROGRAM- PASSENGER TRIPS BY PURPOSE (1986) 
 
68 
 
SECTION 18 PROGRAM- PASSENGER TRIPS BY PURPOSE 
 
(1986) 
 
74 
 
OPERATING PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES (1986)  
 
80 
 
OPERATING PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES 
 
METRO ATLANTA AREA 
 
81 
 
GEORGIA RAIL PASSENGER SERVICE. 
 
86 
 
v 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
The Georgia Transit Fact Book is a document published annually by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The 1987 edition, which is the eleventh publication, summarizes calendar year 1986 operations data for the eight public transit systems in the State of Georgia. Other transportation and related activities such as paratransit services, park and ride locations and rail passenger services are included as well. 
The Fact Book is published primarily to provide information to Georgia local officials charged with making difficult decisions relative to public transit issues. The publication is also distributed to other states, professional organizations and researchers who use it to perform comparative analyses and/or along with other instruments as a basis for research and policy development. Lastly, the general public, interested in the status of public transit in Georgia, find the Fact Book to be an invaluable reference document. 
The operations data compiled in this report for urban systems was obtained from a variety of sources. An annual Fact Book survey and quarterly operating reports are submitted by all urban transit systems. Additionally, On-Board Surveys are conducted weekly for seven of the eight transit systems by the Georgia DOT; MARTA, the Atlanta area system, conducts its own survey. Paratransit, park and ride and rail data is collected and maintained by the Bureau of Public Tr.ansportation throughout the year as a part of its monitoring process. 
The data collection and analysis process is supplemented by interviews and on-site visits with transit managers, transit planners, and local officials involved with public transportation activities. 
 
 FIGURE 1 
Urban Transit Systems In Georgia 
2 
 
 Urban Transit Operations 
There are eight urban public transportation systems in Georgia. They are in the Cities of Albany (ATS); Athens (ATS); Atlanta (MARTA); Augusta (APT); Columbus (METRA); Macon (MBTA); Rome (RTD); and Savannah (CAT). 
 
 URBAN TRANSIT ANALYSIS 
This portion of the document summarizes the status of the urban transit operations in Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Rome and Savannah. The transit operations and financial data are evaluated and comparisons made by using a time trend analysis. In the majority of tables, Atlanta is listed separately; otherwise the size of the MARTA operations compared to the rest of the public transportation systems would distort the data. 
BUS INVENTORY In 1986, the urban public transit systems, excluding Atlanta, operated a 
fleet of 245 buses ranging in age between 0 and 20 years. The median age of the state bus fleet was 10 years, the mean age 9.8 years and the modal age was 4 years. The total seating capacity decreased slightly to 9,607 with an average of 39 seats per bus. The total fleet is largely made of GMC (136) and Bluebird (74) buses. By the end of 1986, the entire fleet of buses had diesel engines and only 15 were not air conditioned. The total fleet inventory decreased by five buses from 1985 to 1986. 
The Atlanta System (MARTA) operated a total fleet of 895 buses, including 10 M.A.N. and 46 Neoplan articulated buses; they also operated a total of 198 rapid rail cars during 1986. 
BUS MILEAGE During 1986, Georgia urban public transit systems, excluding Atlanta, 
operated 954 system route miles, 19,441 daily vehicle miles, 14,124 Saturday vehicle miles and 816 Sunday vehicle miles. All systems continue to offer reduced service on Saturday; Savannah is the only system outside of Atlanta currently offering Sunday service. 
3 
 
 The 1986 route miles showed an 8% decrease from the 1985 figure; Weekday and saturday service declined also by 5% and 10% respectively. Sunday vehicle miles showeo a modest increase of 3%. All mileage categories for MARTA showed an increase. The bus system route miles and daily vehicle miles each increased by 2% over the 1985 figures. Saturday and Sunday vehicle miles were up slightly by 4% and 6% respectively. In the rail category, MARTA operated 28 system route miles, 40,419 daily vehicle miles, 22,413 Saturday vehicle miles and 17,025 sunday vehicle miles. Daily vehicle miles increased by 1% and Sunday vehicle miles increased by 13%; Saturday vehicle miles decreased by 6%. 
The MARTA system used 586 buses during peak and 262 during off-peak periods. Peak period utilization decreased by one bus and off-peak increased by three buses. In 1986, MARTA operated 115 rail cars during peak period and 88 rail cars during off-peak which is the same as 1985 operations. 
FINANCES At the end of 1986, the total expenses to operate the urban transit systems 
outside of Atlanta was $12,556,014. This is a 2 percent increase from the 1985 costs. The total operating revenues reported for transit systems was $5,745,290 which resulted in a deficit of $6,810,724. Operating revenues increased by 2 percent and the deficit increased by 2 percent from the 1985 figures. Transit systems, on the average, recovered 46 percent of their operations from revenues. The Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority recovered 61 percent of its costs, the highest for the State. The Rome Transit Department was the lowest, earning only 27 percent of its operations. 
4 
 
 MARTA reported $128,338,000 in total operating expenses for 1986 which was an increase of 9 percent from 1985. During the same period, MARTA recorded a deficit of $82,816,000 or an 11 percent increase over 1985. Revenues, consisting of $45,522,000 increased only 5 percent over last year. MARTA recovered 35 percent of its operations from revenues during 1986. 
RIDERSIUP The annual ridership for the Georgia urban public transit systems outside 
of Atlanta in 1986 was 12,337,293. This figure represented a 6 percent decrease in ridership from 1985. The cities of Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Rome and Savannah experienced a ridership loss; Albany is the only City that had an increase in ridership. Columbus had the steepest reduction (1 0 percent) in ridership for the year. 
In 1986, MARTA carried 150,013,000 total passengers on both bus and rail operations. This number represented a 13 percent increase in ridership over the 1985 figure. The average daily passengers riding on MARTA trains and buses was 472,000 in 1986. 
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS The cost per passenger for the Georgia transit systems outside of Atlanta 
was calculated at $1.02 in 1986. This figure represented an .08 increase from the 1985 amount. The deficit per passenger was 55 which was a 4 increase from 1985. The statewide operating ratio was 2.19, the same as it was in 1985 indicating no fluctuation in operations efficiency. MARTA reported 86 as its 1986 cost per passenger representing an increase of 18 from 1985. The deficit per passenger during the year increased from 43 to 55. MARTA's operating ratio increased from 2.72 to 2.82 between 1985 and 1986. 
5 
 
 The Georgia urban transit systems, excluding MARTA, carried 2.1 passengers per mile during 1986; the same as for the two previous years. Cost per mile was $2.14 in 1986, an increase of 20 from the previous year. The revenue per mile was calculated at 98, a 9 increase; the deficit per mile was $1.16 an increase of 11 from 1985. MARTA carried 3.52 passengers per mile in 1986, which represents an decrease of 14% over the previous year. The cost per mile of the Atlanta system was $3.01 in 1986, an increase of 20 from 1985. MARTA collected $1.07 per mile which is an increase of 4 over the previous year. The deficit per mile for MARTA was $1.95, an increase of l8over 1985. 
~ In 1986, the transit regular fares ranged from a low of 50 in Albany, Macon 
and Rome to a high of 85 in Savannah. Four out of the eight transit systems offered free transfers in 1986 and two systems, Columbus and Macon, do not offer transfers. Augusta and Savannah charge 25 and 5 respectively for transfers. 
EMPLOYMENT A total of 428 people were employed by the Georgia urban transit systems 
outside of Atlanta. This figure included 257 drivers, 99 mechanics and 38 administrative personnel. Statewide, the number of employees in transit systems declined by 5 percent from 1985 to 1986. 
MARTA reported a total of 3,281 full time employees for 1986 consisting of 1,283 drivers, 483 mechanics and 1,178 administrative personnel. The total work force was increased in 1986 by 310 staff members. 
6 
 
 HOURLY WAGE Statewide, the beginning wage for a driver ranged from a low of $4.84 
in Rome to a high of $8.23 in Atlanta while the driver's top salary was reported to vary from $6.70 in Augusta to $11.75 in Atlanta. Hourly beginning salary for a mechanic varied from $4.74 in Columbus to $10.38 in Atlanta. The top hourly wage for a mechanic ranged from $8.05 in Augusta to $12.66 in Atlanta. 
CHARTER SERVICE In 1986, the urban transit systems operated charter service with rates varying 
from $21.00 per hour with a minimum of three hours to $40.00 per hour with a minimum of 2.5 hours. Three systems offered charter service statewide while the other five offered charter service on a more limited basis. 
FUEL CONSUMPTION In 1986, the Georgia urban public transit systems outside of Atlanta consumed 
15,056 gallons of gasoline and 1,514,944 gallons of diesel fuel. The average cost per gallon of diesel fuel was 63; average cost per gallon of gasoline was 67~ Total gallons of fuel used was 1,530,000 at a cost of $963,933. MARTA consumed 326,073 gallons of gasoline and 9,698,381 gallons of diesel fuel in 1986; the average cost per gallon of diesel fuel was 49. During the same calendar year, MARTA utilized 133,989,446 kilowatt hours of electrical power to operate the rapid rail system at a cost of $3,113,486 or 2 per kilowatt hour. 
7 
 
 TABLE 1 GEORGIA URBAN TRANSIT SUMMARY* 
CALENDAR YEAR 1986 
 
TOTAL EXPENSE TOTAL REVENUE OPERATING DEFICIT NUMBER OF BUSES AVERAGE BUS AGE TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS COST/PASSENGER TRIP DEFICIT/PASSENGER TRIP OPERATING RATIO VEHICLE MILES PASSENGER TRIPS/VEHICLE MILE COST/VEHICLE MILE REVENUE/VEHICLE MILE VEHICLE HOURS REVENUE/EXPENSE DEFICIT/MILE 
 
$12,556,014 $5,745,290 $6,810,724 245 8.6 12,337,293 $1.02 $.55 2.19 5,872,912 2.1 $2.14 $.98 469,410 $.46 $1.16 
 
*Atlanta not included. 
8 
 
 TABLE 2 
10 YEAR ANALYSIS OF TRANSIT EXPENSES AND REVENUES* (1977- 1986) 
 
Year 
 
1977 
 
1978 
 
1979 
 
1980 
 
"' 
 
1981 
 
1982 
 
1983 
 
1984 
 
1985 
 
1986 
 
Operating Expense $ 6,623,388 7,530,320 8,353,841 9,614,014 10,870,702 11,383,219 11,908,312 12,422,574 12,287,587 $12,556,014 
 
Operating Revenue $ 3,688,007 4,137,434 4,221,480 4,462,864 4,844,534 5,207,023 5,747,061 5,694,326 5,617,840 $ 5,745,290 
 
Percent Of Expense Covered 
~Revenue 
56 55 51 46 45 46 48 46 46 46 
 
*Atlanta not included. 
 
Operating Deficit 
$ 2,935,381 3,392,886 4,132,361 5,151,150 6,026,168 6,176,196 6,161,251 6,728,248 6,669,747 
$ 6,810,724 
 
 .---- --~ 
 
Operatiag Ezpeases, Re-.eaues And Deficit. For 
 
12 
 
.... ...... -- Georgia Transit Systems* (1979-1986) 
_,,..... 
 
- .... EP'"" 
 
10 
 
~~ 
 
If'~~ 
 
"iij 
0.:z..; 
 
8 
 
....::aa 
 
c; .!. 
 
6 
 
Ill 
 
<l....l::laal 
0 
 
4 
 
c:::l 
 
. . . d 
 
----111!11!1~~--------~ .            IW 
 
Deficit Revenue 
 
2 
 
0--~------~------,-------T-------p-------~----~~----~--- 
 
1979 
 
1980 
 
1981 
 
1982 
 
1983 
 
1984 
 
1985 
 
1986 
 
 Atlanta Not Included. 
 
YEAR 
 
 TABLE 3 
REVENUE/EXPENSE ANALYSIS FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1986) 
 
City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
.......... 
 
Columbus 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
~enses 
$ 791,686 951,666 
1,529,776 2,113,743 1,643,353 1,015,152 4,510,638 $ 12,556,014 
 
Revenue $ 288,597 
323,606 708,034 936,550 994,426 278,200 2,215,877 $ 5,745,290 
 
Deficit $ 503,089 
628,060 821,742 1,177,193 648,927 736,952 2,294,761 $ 6,810,724 
 
Atlanta 
 
$128,338,000 
 
$45,522,000 
 
$82,816,000 
 
 130 
 
129 
 
46 
 
...'ii 
11: 
 
45 
 
0 
 
....:I 
.:I 
 
!. 
 
Gil 
 
6 
 
Ill 
 
oC 
 
.:I 
 
.:I 
 
0 
 
~ 
 
5 
 
2 
 
FIGURE 3 Operating Expenses And Revenue For 
Georgia Transit Systems (1986) 
.Expense 
I<> >I Revenue 
 
0 
CITY 12 
 
 City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
Columbus 
 
.......,. 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
Atlanta 
 
TABLE 4 
OPERATING DEFICITS FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1984 - 1986) 
 
1984 Deficit $ 692,892 
501,201 941,071 1,157,436 766,923 680,882 1,987,843 $ 6,728,248 
 
1985 Deficit $ 438,151 
516,993 1,074,830 1,333,277 
559,818 696,077 2,050,601 . $6,669,74.7 
 
$68,080,560 
 
$74,443,765 
 
1986 Deficit $ 503,089 
628,060 821,742 1,177,193 648,927 736,952 2,294,761 $ 6,810,724 
$82,816,000 
 
 TABLE 5 
PERCENTAGE OF OPERATING COST RECOVERED FROM REVENUES BY GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1983 - 1986) 
 
City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
Columbus 
 
..... 
~ 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
1983 26 41 36 51 54 36 57 48 
 
1984 22 37 40 48 57 32 52 46 
 
1985 37 38 39 44 64 30 50 46 
 
1986 36 34 46 44 61 27 49 46 
 
Atlanta 
 
37 
 
36 
 
37 
 
35 
 
 FIGURE 4 
Percentages Of Operating Cost Recovered Frolll Revenues By Georgia Transit Systems 
(1984-1986) 
[[] 1984 
70 
1985 .1986 
60 
50 
30 
20 
10 
0 
CITY 15 
 
 TABLE 6 ANNUAL TRANSIT RIDERSHIP BY CITY (1983 -1986) 
 
Ci~y 
Albany Athens Augusta Columbus Macon Rome Savannah 
.... 
a> Totals 
 
1983 751,346 718,765 1,939,076 2,879,444 1,756,042 1,034,208 4,381,038 13,459,919 
 
1984 686,390 718' 714 2,057,699 2,958,920 1,808,958 1,043,533 3,847,408 13,121,622 
 
1985 771,560 651,548 2,190,460 2,831,320 1,756,901 1,031,841 3,879,919 13,113,549 
 
Atlanta1 
 
135,900,0002 
 
144,431,000 
 
172,007,000 
 
Grand Total 
 
149,359,919 
 
157,552,622 
 
185,120,549 
 
1Includes Rail Passengers. 2Revised Method of Calculating Ridership Beginning 1983. 
 
1986 848,887 610,439 2,009,289 2,561,571 1,746,902 962' 119 3,598,086 12,337,293 
150,013,000 
162,350,293 
 
 FIGURE 5 
Georgia Transit Ridership By City (1983-1986) 
180 
 
140 
 
a.0z..; 
 
120 
 
--.1 
 
..:I 
..a....:I 
Ill 
 
5 
 
llll 
 
~loll 
0 z 
 
4 
 
~loll 
 
Ill 
<Ill 
 
3 
 
llo< 
 
2 
 
0 ..--~~-----------.------------.-----------~~ 
 
1983 
 
1984 
 
1985 
 
1986 
 
YEAR 
 
1-lncludes Rail Passengers. 2-Revised Method of Calculating 
Ridership Balnnlna 1983. 
 
 TABLE 7 COMPARISON OF 1985 AND 1986 RIDERSHIP FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS BY CITY 
 
City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
..... 
 
Augusta 
 
00 
 
Columbus 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
1985 771 '560 651,548 2,190,460 2,831,320 1,756,901 1,031,841 3,879,919 13,113,549 
 
1986 848,887 610,439 2,009,289 2' 561 '571 1,746,902 962,119 3,598,086 12,337,293 
 
Absolute Change 
77,327 41,109 181,171 269,749 
9,999 69,722 281,833 776,256 
 
Percent Change +10.02 
-6.31 -8.27 -9.53 -.57 -6.76 -7.26 -5.92 
 
Atlanta 
 
172,007,000 
 
150,013,000 
 
21,994,000 
 
-12.79 
 
 TABLE 8 
AVERAGE DAILY RIDERSHIP BY PASSENGER TYPE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS1 (1986) 
 
City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
Columbus 
 
Macon 
 
...... 
 
Rome 
 
<0 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
Regular 2,420 1,250 4,769 5,034 7,031 1,006 
10,113 31,623 
 
Student 20 
1,108 376 80 
1,249 2,5412 
276 5,650 
 
E & H 98 
253 832 1,202 
58 458 1,040 3,941 
 
Transfers 1,024 329 1,361 0 0 516 4,215 7,445 
 
Child 92 6 
151 235 
58 113 176 831 
 
Monthly 804 100 75 161 12 85 176 
1,413 
 
Totals 4,458 3,046 7,564 6, 712 8,408 4,719 15,996 50,903 
 
1 Based on Statewide Section 15 Survey conducted by Georgia DOT; Atlanta not included. 2 Approximately 3,600 students use tripper service during the 9 month school year. 
 
 TABLE 9 MARTA ANNUAL RIDERSHIP BY TYPEl 
(1986) 
 
Regular Fare Elderly (1/2 Fare) Handicapped (1/2 Fare) Transcard (1st Vehicle) Out-of-County (Gwinnett/Clayton) Six Flags E Bus2 L Bus3 Transfers (5 Transfers, Bus, Transcard 2nd Vehicle, 
Free Intermodal)  
Total Passengers  
 
46,613,000 573,000 108,000 
28,188,000 118,000 62,000 33,000 25,000 
74,293,000 
150,013,000 
 
I Rounded to the Nearest 1,000 2Eiderly Bus Service 3Lift Bus Service 
 
20 
 
 City Albany Athens Augusta Columbus Macon 
"....'. 
Rome Savannah Totals 
 
TABLE 10 
SELECTED RIDERSHIP DATA FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS* (CY 1986) 
 
Average Daily 
Ridership 4,458 3,046 7,564 6,712 8,408 4,719 
15,996 50,903 
 
Unlinked Passenger 
Trips 1,301,470 
840,189 2,030,070 1,909,419 2,432,260 1,044,279 4,806,789 14,364,476 
 
Passenger Miles 
3,605,405 1,923,653 6 '241 '117 6,946,863 6,083,409 2,533,441 12,759,919 40,093,807 
 
*Based on Statewide Section 15 Survey conducted by Georgia DOT. 
 
Unlinked Pass. Trips/ Pass.Miles 
.36 .44 .33 .27 .40 .41 .38 .36 
 
 City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
"""" 
 
Columbus 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
Atlanta 
 
TABLE 11 
COST PER PASSENGER TRIP FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1983 - 1986) 
 
1983 $1.04 
.98 .83 .71 .97 .82 .96 $ .88 
$  71 
 
1984 $1.29 1.10 
.76 .75 .99 .95 1.09 $ .95 
$ .73 
 
1985 $ .91 1.27 
.81 .84 .87 .97 1.06 $ .94 
$ .68 
 
1986 $  93 1. 56 
.76 .83 .94 1.06 1.25 $ 1.02 
$ .86 
 
1985-1986 Absolute Change 
$+.02 +.29 -.05 -.01 +.07 +.09 +.19 $+.08 
$+.18 
 
 FIGURE 6 
Cost Per Passenger For Georgia Transit Systems (1984-1986) 
[]1984 
~1985 
.1986 
 
~4. ~'?'?-" 
 
~0 
..(:-; '?-"' 
 
"''?- 
 
00 
 
00 
 
~~ 
 
00 
 
~v 
 
'?- 
 
oo 
 
0~ '?-(J 
~ 
 
CITY 23 
 
~<v ~0 
 
'?-..(:- 
~~ .:,.'?0'?- 
 
.._'t' 
'(-~ 
'?"- '" 
 
 TABLE 12 
DEFICIT PER PASSENGER TRIP FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1983 - 1986) 
 
City 
 
1983 
 
1984 
 
1985 
 
1986 
 
Albany 
 
.77 
 
1.01 
 
.57 
 
.59 
 
Athens 
 
.58 
 
.70 
 
.79 
 
1.03 
 
Augusta 
 
.53 
 
.".". 
 
Columbus 
 
.35 
 
.46 
 
.49 
 
.41 
 
.39 
 
.47 
 
.46 
 
Macon 
 
.44 
 
.42 
 
.32 
 
.37 
 
Rome 
 
.53 
 
.65 
 
.67 
 
.77 
 
Savannah 
 
.41 
 
.52 
 
.53 
 
.64 
 
Totals 
 
.46 
 
.51 
 
.51 
 
.55 
 
Atlanta 
 
.45 
 
.47 
 
.43 
 
.55 
 
1985-1986 Absolute Change 
+.02 +.24 -.08 -.01 +.05 +.10 +.11 +.04 
+.12 
 
 City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
Columbus 
 
"""" 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
Atlanta 
 
TABLE 13 
OPERATING RATIO FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1983 - 1986) 
 
1983 3.92 2.43 2.78 1.98 1.84 2.77 1.76 2.07 
 
1984 4.59 2.71 2.51 2.09 1. 75 3.16 1.91 2.18 
 
1985 2.68 2.65 2.55 2.29 1.57 3.32 2.00 2.19 
 
2.72 
 
2.81 
 
2.72 
 
1986 2.74 2.94 2.16 2.26 1.65 3.65 2.04 2.19 
2.82 
 
 City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
Columbus 
 
"0"> 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
Atlanta 
 
TABLE 14 
SERVICE UTILIZATION FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1986) 
 
Vehicle Miles 431,164 330,234 902,782 
1,273,332 832,374 498 '611 
1,604,415 5,872,912 
 
Vehicle Hours 32,563 25 '771 76,733 
112,800 60,310 35,450 
125,783 469,410 
 
42,584,656 
 
2,719,630 
 
Buses 14 16 34 45 45 32 59 
245 
794 
 
 City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
..."" 
 
Columbus 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Total 
 
Atlanta 
 
a Bus 
bRall 
 
TABLE 15 
TOTAL BUS MILEAGE FOR SELECTED CATEGORIES (1986) 
 
System Route Miles 
56 88 184 199 53 230 144 954 
1,592a 28b 
 
Daily Vehicle 
Miles 1,337 1,141 3,240 3,857 2,647 2,060 5,159 19,441 
96,152 40,419 
 
Saturday Vehicle 
Miles 1,115 
426 2,297 3,710 2,118 
N/A 4,458 14,124 
53,866 22,413 
 
Sunday Vehicle 
Miles N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 816 816 
40,112 17,025 
 
 TABLE 16 
PASSENGER TRIPS PER MILE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1983 - 1986) 
 
City 
 
1983 
 
1984 
 
1985 
 
1986 
 
Albany 
 
1.8 
 
1.4 
 
1.7 
 
2.0 
 
Athens 
 
2.2 
 
2.2 
 
1.9 
 
1.9 
 
Augusta 
 
2.1 
 
2.4 
 
2.4 
 
2.2 
 
Columbus 
 
1.8 
 
1.8 
 
1.6 
 
2.0 
 
"0"0 
Macon 
 
2.1 
 
2.2 
 
2.1 
 
2.1 
 
Rome 
 
1.6 
 
1.6 
 
1.9 
 
1.9 
 
Savannah 
 
2.3 
 
2.4 
 
2.5 
 
2.2 
 
Totals 
 
2.0 
 
2.1 
 
2.1 
 
2.1 
 
Atlanta 
 
4.0 
 
4.0 
 
4.1 
 
3.5 
 
 City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
Columbus 
 
"<"0 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
Atlanta 
 
TABLE 17 
COST PER MILE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1983 - 1986) 
 
1983 $1.90 
2.20 1. 75 1.25 2.03 1.29 2.25 $1.79 
 
1984 $1.80 
2.42 1.85 1.35 2.14 1.49 2.65 $1.95 
 
1985 $1.58 
2.44 1.93 1.37 1.87 1.85 2.64 $1.94 
 
$2.82 
 
$2.91 
 
$2.81 
 
1986 $1.84 
2.88 1.69 1.66 1.97 2.04 2.81 $2.14 
$3.01 
 
 FIGURE 7 
Cost Per Mile For Georgia Transit Systems (1984-1986) 
 
3.00 
 
EJ 1984 
1985 .1986 
 
2.50 
 
2.00 
 
1.50 
 
1.00 
 
.50 
 
0 
 
CITY 30 
 
 TABLE 18 
REVENUE PER MILE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1983- 1986) 
 
City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
",..".. 
 
Columbus 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
1983 $.49 
.91 .63 .64 1.11 .47 1.28 $.86 
 
1984 $.39 
.89 .74 .65 1.22 .47 1.39 $.89 
 
1985 $.59 
.92 .76 .60 1.19 .56 1.32 $.89 
 
1986 $.67 
.98 .78 .74 1.19 .56 1.38 $.98 
 
Absolute Change 1985 - 1986 
$+.08 +.06 +.02 +.14 +.00 +.00 +.06 
$+.09 
 
Atlanta 
 
$1.04 
 
$1.03 
 
$1.03 
 
$1.07 
 
$+.04 
 
 FIGURE 8 
Revenue Per Mile For Georgia Transit Systems (1984-1986) 
 
1.40 
 
[ ] 1984 1985 
.1986 
 
1.20 
 
1.00 
..~aa .80 
0 
j:l 
.60 
 
.40 
 
.20 
 
CITY 32 
 
 City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
Columbus 
 
"""" 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
Atlanta 
 
TABLE 19 
DEFICIT PER MILE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1983- 1986) 
 
1983 $1.42 1.30 1.12 
.62  93 .82 .97 $.93 
$1.78 
 
1984 $1.41 
1. 53 1.12 
.70 .92 1.02 1.26 $1.05 
$1.88 
 
1985 $.99 1. 52 1.17 
.77 .70 1.30 1.32 $1.05 
$1.77 
 
1986 $1.17 1.90 
.91 .92 .78 1.48 1.43 $1.16 
$1.95 
 
Absolute Change 1985 - 1986 $+.18 
+.38 -.26 +.15 +.08 +.18 +.11 $+.11 
$+.18 
 
 City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
Columbus 
 
Macon 
 
w 
 
Rome 
 
~ 
 
Savannah 
 
Atlanta 
 
Regular 50 60 60 65 50 50 85 602 
 
TABLE 20 1986 TRANSIT FARES BY CATEGORY 
 
Student N/A $2.001 25 45 25 50 42 N/A 
 
Child 25 30 Free Free Free Free 42 Free 
 
1University of Georgia Student Fee Per Quarter 2out of District Fare is 90 3out of District Transfer is 5 
 
E&H 25 30 25 30 N/A 25 42 30 
 
Transfer Free Free 25 N/A N/A Free 5 Free3 
 
 City Albany Athens Augusta Columbus w 
<.n 
Macon Rome Savannah Totals 
Atlanta 
 
TABLE 21 
EMPLOYMENT PROFILE OF GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1986) 
 
Drivers 18 18 41 48 35 24 73 
257 
 
Maintenance 8 7 
14 26 14 
7 23 99 
 
Administration 4 4 5 3 3 8 
11 38 
 
Other N/A 
1 4 7 5 1 16 34 
 
1283 
 
483 
 
1178 
 
337 
 
Total 30 30 64 84 57 40 
123 428 
3281 
 
 City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Atlanta 
 
Augusta 
 
w 
"' 
 
Columbus 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Averages 
 
TABLE 22 
HOURLY WAGE DISTRIBUTION FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1986) 
 
Driver's Beginning 
$5.39 5.73 8.23 6.03 5.49 5.17 4.84 7.84 
$6.09 
 
Driver's 
!21?. 
$8.29 7.90 
11.75 6.70 6.94 8.01 6.81 9.80 
$8.28 
 
Mechanic's Beginning 
$7.71 8.10 10.38 6.29 4.74 6.18 5.76 10.03 $7.40 
 
Mechanic's 
!21?. 
$11.92 11.17 12.66 
8.05 8.21 9.17 8.11 10.68 $10.00 
 
 TABLE 23 
CHARTER SERVICE RATES (1986) 
 
City Albany Athens Atlanta Augusta Columbus Macon 
.w.., 
Rome Savannah 
 
Per Hour $35.00 $39.00 $38. oo1 $21.002 $28.00 $35.00 $22.50 $40.00 
 
Minimum Hours 3 2 5 3 2 3 3 
2.5 
 
Service Area 100 mile radius 100 mile radius Statewide 130 mile radius Urbanized area Statewide Statewide Chatham County 
 
1Forty-seven seat bus cost is $190.00 for first 5 hours and $30.00 for each additional hour. Sixty-seven seat bus cost is $250.00 for first 5 hours and $40.00 for each additional hour. 
2Business rate is $21.00 per hour plus $1.30 per mile. Reduced rates are extended to E & H groups and non-profit organizations. 
 
 City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
Columbus 
 
"co" 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
Atlanta 
 
TABLE 24 
MOTOR FUEL CONSUMPTION IN GALLONS BY GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1986) 
 
Gasoline 4,588 2,130 NA NA NA 8,338 NA 
15,056 
 
Cost $2,836 2,444 
NA NA NA 4,754 NA $10,034 
 
Diesel 121,285 90,829 265,651 311 '084 213,764 104,332 40'/ '999 1,514,944 
 
Cost $81,695 51,282 142,590 235,960 141,544 58,984 241,844 $953,899 
 
Total Gallons 
125,873 92,959 265,651 311,084 213,764 112,670 407,999 1,530,000 
 
326,073 
 
$161,469 
 
9,698,381 
 
$4,738,264 
 
10,024,454 
 
Total Fuel Cost $84,531 53,726 142,590 235,960 141,544 63,738 241,844 
$963,933 
$4,899,733 
 
 TABLE 25A 
GEORGIA TRANSIT EQUIPMENT INVENTORY BY CITY (1986) 
 
City Albany 
Athens 
Augusta 
<:.> <J:> 
Columbus 
 
Number 
9 5 
Total 14* 
}6 
Total 16 
21 6 3 4 
Total 34 
12 1 2 
15 5 
10 
Total 45 
 
Year 
1976 1981 
1976 
1974 1978 1979 1985 
1969 1969 1971 1976 1981 1983 
 
Make 
GMC GMC 
GMC 
GMC GMC Microbus Gillig 
GMC GMC GMC GMC Superior Flxible 
 
Seats 
43 36 
43 
45 39 25 41 
45 53 45 43 20 40 
 
*Does not include E & H Vans. 
 
Engine ~ Diesel Diesel 
Diesel 
Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel 
Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel 
 
Air Conditioned 
Yes Yes 
Yes 
Yes Yes Yes Yes 
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
 
 City Macon 
Rome 
~ 
0 
Savannah 
 
Number 
2 1 7 10 3 10 1 3 8 
Total 45 
1 1 15 
11 
4 
Total 32 
4 4 5 8 8 10 7 13 
Total 59 
 
State Total 245 
 
TABLE 25A (continued) 
 
Year 
1969 1973 1974 1979 1980 1982 1983 1985 1986 
1974 1977 1982 1982 1982 
1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1974 l978 1982 
 
Make 
GMC-PD GMC GMC Bluebird Bluebird Bluebird Bluebird Bluebird Bluebird 
Bluebird Bluebird Bluebird Bluebird Bluebird 
GMC GMC GMC GMC GMC GMC Bluebird Gillig 
 
Seats 
47 45 45 31 31 31 39 31 31 
52 52 31 57 45 
35 35 35 33 33 45 31 41 
 
Engine ~ 
Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel 
Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel 
Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel 
 
Air Conditioned 
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
No No Yes Yes Yes 
No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
 
 TABLE 25B 
GEORGIA TRANSIT EQUIPMENT FOR MARTA (1986) 
 
City Atlanta 
......... 
Total Active Buses 
 
Number 
5 1 90 365 50 130 1oa 50 46a 20b 148 
895 
 
Year 
1967 1969 1972 1974 1976 1978 1978 
~981 
1982 1984 1986 
 
Make 
GMC GMC Flxible GMC GMC Flxible M.A.N. Neop1an Neoplan Ford Flxible 
 
Seats 
53 47 47 47 47 47 65 46 65 
7 47 
 
aArticulated Buses 
bLift-equipped vans for elderly and handicapped services. These 20 vans are not included in the total number of active buses. 
 
Engine ~ 
Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel 
 
Air Conditioned 
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 
 
 TABLE 26 
TOTAL BUS INVENTORY FOR STATE OF GEORGIA (1986) (EXCLUDING ATLANTA) 
 
.!!!r 
1966 1967 1968 1969 
1970 1971 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 
!979 !980 !981 
!982 
!983 1985 
 
~ 4 
19 2 8 2 
41 I 
31 9 
10 3 
25 11 
4 13 10 
I 
 
1986 
 
Totals 
 
245 
 
* Not air Conditioned. 
**All buses have diesel engines. 
 
Make** 
GMC* GMC* GMC* GMC GMC GMC GMC GMC GMC GMC GMC Bluebird* Bluebird GMC GMC Bluebird* GMC Bluebird Bluebird Microbus Bluebird GMC Superior Bluebird Bluebird Bluebird Gillig Flexible Bluebird Gillig Bluebird Bluebird 
42 
 
Seats 
35 
35 
35 
45 53 33 47 
33 
45 
45 
45 52 
66 
43 45 
52 
39 31 
31 25 
31 
36 20 
31 57 45 41 
40 39 
41 31 
31 
9,607 
 
 TABLE 27 SUMMARY OF SEATING FOR GEORGIA BUSES (1986)* 
 
Seating Capacity 20 25 31 33 35 36 39 40 41 43 45 47 52 53 57 Totals 
 
Number of Buses 5 3 
56 16 13 
5 7 10 17 40 57 2 2 1 11 245 
 
Total Seaful 100 75 
1 '736 528 455 180 273 400 697 
1,720 2,565 
94 104 
53 627 9,60'1 
 
*Atlanta not included. 43 
 
 TABLE 28 
SUMMARY OF EQUIPMENT INVENTORY (EXCLUDING ATLANTA) (1983 - 1986) 
 
Total Buses 
 
Age Range 
 
Modal Age 
 
Mean Age 
 
Median Age 
 
. 
 
Make and Mode I 
 
Total Seating Capacity Average Seating Capacity Air Conditioned Vehicle 
Engine Type 
 
1983 
250 
1-25 Years 
1 Year 
7.8Years 
12.5 Years 
162 GMC 66 Bluebird 13 Gil Jigs 6 Superior 3 Chance 
10,085 
40 
225 - Yes 25 - No 
245 - Diesel 5 - Gasoline 
 
1984 
248 
1-26 Years 
2 Years 
8.2 Years 
13 Years 
151 GMC 64 Bluebird 13 Gilligs 10 Flxible 6 Superior 3 Microbus 
Mercedes 
9,886 
40 
226 - Yes 22 - No 
246 - Diesel 2 - Gasoline 
 
1985 
251 
1-19 Years 
3 Years 
8.6 Years 
9.3 Years 
147 GMC 68 Bluebird 17 Gilligs 10 Flxible 6 Superior 3 Microbus 
10,032 
40 
234 - Yes 17 - No 
250 - Diesel 1 - Gasoline 
 
1986 
245 
0-20 
4 Years 
9. 8 
10 Years 
136 GMC 74 Bluebird 17 Gi!ligs 10 F!xible 5 Superior 3 Microbus 
9,607 
39 
230 - Yes 15 - No 
245 - Diesel 
 
 TABLE 29 
PEAK/OFF PEAK VEHICLE USAGE FOR GEORGIA TRANSIT SYSTEMS (1986) 
 
City 
 
Albany 
 
Athens 
 
Augusta 
 
"'"<Jl 
 
Columbus 
 
Macon 
 
Rome 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
Peak 
# Buses 8 
10 20 22 18 21 37 136 
 
Percent Usage 
57 63 59 49 40 66 63 56 
 
Off Peak 
 
# Buses 
 
Percent Usage 
 
8 
 
57 
 
7 
 
44 
 
19 
 
56 
 
17 
 
38 
 
13 
 
29 
 
7 
 
22 
 
32 
 
54 
 
103 
 
42 
 
Total ~ 
14 16 34 45 45 32 59 245 
 
Atlanta 
 
586a 
 
65 
 
262 
 
29 
 
895 
 
115b 
 
58 
 
88 
 
44 
 
198 
 
a Bus b Rail 
 
 FIGURE 9 
UMTA Section 9 Apportionments For Georgia Cities (FY 1984-FY 1987) Total: $125,727,684 
46 
 
 FIGURE 10 
UMT.\ Section 9 Editure, From The Governor's Apportionlllent 
(Fy 1984-Fy 1986} 
Total : $7,478,852 
~Albany 2% 
47 
 
 Paratransit Operations 
Paratransit is a transportation service that falls somewhere between the private automobile and fixed-route public transportation e.g. dial-a-ride, carpools, vanpools, and buspools. In 1986, Georgia's paratransit operations were carried out under four programs: UMTA Section 18 Program, UMTA 16(b)(2) Elderly and Handicapped Program, Georgia's Park and Ride Lot Program and the Georgia Rideshare Program. 
 
 PARATRANSIT OPERATIONS 
Since 1976, the Georgia Department of Transportation has pursued a very aggressive paratransit program. Over the years, these programs have shown significant gains because of a high demand for the transportation services provided, particularly in Georgia's rural areas. Paratransit activities are carried out under four programs: The UMTA 16(b)(2) Elderly and Handicapped Program, the UMTA Section 18 Rural and Non-Urbanized Transportation Program; the Georgia Rideshare and Vanpoo) Programs, and the Georgia Park and Ride Lot Program. 
The Rural/Elderly and Handicapped Program During 1986, the Georgia Department of Transportation decreased the number of vehicles operating in both the 16(b)(2) and the Section 18 Programs. Both Programs together operated a total of 357 vehicles. By the end of 1986, there were 253 vehicles operating in the 16(b)(2) Program and 104 in the Section 18 Programs. The Section 18 and 16(b)(2) fleets each consisted of three types of vehicles: vans (91 %), minibuses (8%) and schoolbuses (1 %). Fifty six (56%) of the 16(b)(2) vehicles and (30%) of the Section 18 vehicles are lift equipped to accomodate wheelchair patrons in the Rural/Elderly and Handicapped Programs. There are a total of 132 organizations, Private Non-Profit Agencies, County and City Governments operating the Section 18 and 16(b)(2) Programs. Out of 159 counties only 24 (15%) counties elected not to participate in either program during 1986. Ninety-five counties participated in the 16(b)(2) Program only, 30 participated in only the Section 18 Program and 10 counties participated in both Programs. 
48 
 
 marY of Operations 
!!'!!- 
During 1986 the rural transit operations provided 2.8 million trips; I(IPI'Oximately 800,000 in the Section 18 Program and 2 million in Section 16(b)(2) 
JII'GIP'&nl About 61% of these trips were for elderly people, 25% were trips provided 
to haJidicapped and 14% were provided to all others. The Section 18 Program showed 
a sUgbtlY higher percentage in this last category (18%). 
The trip purpose was not as uniform as the passenger profile. On the average S41rl of all trips were made for nutrition; the Section 18 Program registered 27% 
for this purpose while the Section 16(b)(2) had 37%. The next highest categories in 
tile Section 18 Program were miscellaneous (18.5%), shopping/personal (19.2%) and IOCia]/recreational (14%). The Section 16(b)(2) operations focused on nutrition trips (SfW.) followed by miscellaneous (15.2%), education (14.1 %) and shopping/personal (11.1%). 
The average trip was about 2.3 miles and the systems carried an average fll .44 passengers/mile. A total of 6.4 million miles were logged by the 357 vehicles .. active operation during 1986; 2 million by the 104 vehicles operated in Section 11 Programs and 4.4 million miles by the 253 vehicles operated in Section 16(b)(2) Pqrams. The average vehicle traveled 18,000 miles during 1986; the Section 18 telllcles averaged 20,000 miles per vehicle while the Section 16(b)(2) vehicles averaged 
If.no miles. 
The operating expenses varied; the average program vehicle cost $12,600 to operate during 1986; Section 18 vehicles cost averaged $14,000 and the Section ll(b)(2) average vehicle costs were slightly less at $12,000. Cost per mile of operation WM relatively uniform averaging $.70 per mile for both Programs. 
49 
 
 Program Management The Georgia DOT Programs are internally managed by each of seven 
Transportation Districts. These Districts vary in topographical features, service area miles, population, and population density. The Districts are located in Gainesville, Tennille, Thomaston, Tifton, Jesup, Cartersville and Chamblee. 
Service Area Characteristics Georgia is divided into 159 counties containing a non-urbanized population 
of 2,929,978 based on the 1980 Census; total square miles is 57,363. The Thomaston District has the largest non-urbanized population, 589,565 with a population density of 56 persons per square mile. Excluding Atlanta, Cartersville has the highest population density with 86 persons per square mile. Jesup and Tennille are the least dense, 37 persons per square mile. 
Employees As of the end of 1986, there were a total of 639 employees working in the 
rural transportation systems. Of this total, 405 were drivers and 234 administrative and maintenance personnel. The majority of all employees (62%) are part-time workers, either volunteer or local government employees who allocate a portion of their time managing the rural transportation programs. 
Service Type There are 123 systems offering three different types of service. 
Seventy-seven systems operated fixed route systems, 38 demand-response and 8 point deviation. 
50 
 
 In 1986, the average monthly driver's salary varied in all Districts from 8 low of $591 in Jesup to a high of $805 in Tennille. The top driver's salary in the State was found in Tifton at $1,580. The 1986 total expense incurred to operate all vehicles in the State was $3,721,824. The total expense for operating 16(b)(2) and Section 18 Programs was $4,486,820. Performance Indicators 
The Gainesville District carried the most passengers in 1986, 559,787 and drove the greatest number of miles, 1,178,440. Passengers carried per mile varied rrom 8 low of .33 in Atlanta to .49 in Thomaston and Cartersville. Excluding Atlanta, passenger trips per capita was lowest in Tifton (.58) and highest in Gainesville (1.31) averaging .96 statewide. The aggregate statewide cost per mile was 58; the cartersville cost per mile was low at 50 per mile. Cartersville reported the lowest cost per passenger ($1.02); the highest cost per passenger was reported in Atlanta ($1.93). Statewide, the cost per passenger averaged $1.32, a decrease of 5 per mile !rom 1985. 
51 
 
 FIGURE 11 
 
T E N N. 
 
N. 
 
c. 
 
Rural I E & H Programs (1986) 
 
[2j 16B2 
0 Section 18 
 
.>. 
 
~Both 
 
0 
 
No Program 
 
<( <( <( 
 
F 
 
L 
 
0 
 
R 
 
52 
 
<: 
J 
u 0 A 
 
 TABLE 30 RURAL/ELDERLY & HANDICAPPED PROGRAM SUMMARY 
CALENDAR YEAR 1986 
 
-Total Passenger Trips Elderly Handicapped Non-Ambulatory 
Trip Purposes 
Medical Employment Nutrition Social/Recreation Education Shopping/Personal Other 
Total 
Total Miles Driven 
Operating Expenses 
Salaries Fuel & Oil Maintenance Repairs Insurance Other 
Total 
Total Vehicles 
 
2,821,072 
1, 707,455 691,558 49,893 
197,958 190,644 962,103 267,443 348,943 398,909 455,072 
2,821,072 
6,448,673 
2,925,349 694,009 116,303 256,884 390,106 104,169 
4,486,820 
357* 
 
*Does not include GDOT reserve vehicles. 53 
 
 3000 
 
2800 
 
2600 
 
2400 
 
2200 
 
fi.i 
 
2000 
 
,::a 
z 
 
< 
 
1800 
 
t1l 
 
::;1 
 
= 0 
!::. 
 
1600 
 
t1l 
 
PI; 
 
lcz'il 
 
1400 
 
l'il 
 
t1l t1l 
 
1200 
 
< 
 
ll< 
 
1000 
 
800 
 
600 
 
400 
 
200 
 
0 
 
FIGURE 12 Rural I E & H Passengers 
(1983-1986) 
.16B2 
I<> I SECTION 18 
 
1983 
 
1984 
 
1985 
 
YEAR 54 
 
1986 
 
 TABLE 31 
RURAL/E & H STATISTICAL SUMMARY (1979 - 1986) 
 
Calendar Year 
 
1979 
 
1980 
 
1981 
 
1982 
 
1983 
 
"""" 
 
1984 
 
1985 
 
1986 
 
Total Pass. 345,922 587,487 725,712 1,067,321 1,565,553 1,943,739 2,331,951 2,821,072 
 
Total Miles 1,083,851 1,563,195 1,768,576 2,446,401 3,589,128 4,_475,273 5' 549' 711 6,448,673 
 
Total** Operating E!Eenses $ 615,978 
949,617 1,234,505 1,725,792 2,454,929 3,026,344 3,881,317 $4,486,820 
 
Total** Vehicle Expense 
$ 498,942 769,190 999,949 
1,397,892 1,991,118 2,466,508 3,197,998 $3,721,824 
 
Total * Vehicles 
99 115 119 195 291 322 377 357 
 
*Active 1lehicles only. 
** Total Operating Expense includes all expenses relative to program operations. Total Vehicle Expense includes only those expenses directly related to the operation of vehicles. 
 
 TABLE 32 SERVICE AREA CHARACTERISTICS- GEORGIA RURAL SYSTEMS (1986) 
 
Transportation District 
 
1. Gainesville 
 
2. Tennille 
 
a">' 
 
3. Thomaston 
 
4. Tifton 
 
5. Jesup 
 
6. Cartersville 
 
7. Atlanta 
 
Totals 
 
Service Area 
Counties 21 28 32 32 24 16 6 
159 
 
Population 426,778 421,377 589,565 501,897 401,043 467,216 122,102 
2,929,978 
 
Service Area Square Miles 5,563 11,303 10,559 12,672 10,983 5,442 841 57,373 
 
Population Density 77 37 56 40 37 86 145 51 
 
Topograph:t Mountainous Rolling Rolling Flat Flat Mountainous Hilly 
 
 Transportation District 
 
1. Gainesville 
 
2. Tennille 
 
3. Thomaston 
 
4. Tifton 
 
"_", 
 
5. Jesup 
 
6. Cartersville 
 
7. Atlanta 
 
Totals 
 
TABLE 33 
RURAL/E & H TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS (1983- 1986) 
 
1983 315,775 231,834 225,378 118' 721 289,569 224,510 159,766 1,565,553 
 
1984 369,393 260,212 322,604 163,209 371,131 290,748 166,442 1,943,739 
 
1985 416,323 304,987 357,076 250,903 373,480 346,417 282,765 2,331,951 
 
~ 559,787 378,787 388,727 292,953 454,985 450,683 295,150 2,821,072 
 
 Transportation District 
 
1. Gainesvi 11 e 
 
2. Tennille 
 
3. Thomaston 
 
"00' 
 
4. Tifton 
 
5. Jesup 
 
6. Cartersvi lie 
 
7. Atlanta 
 
Totals 
 
TABLE 34 
RURAL/E & H PASSENGER TRIPS PER MILE (1983 - 1986) 
 
1983 .43 .40 .48 .57 .45 .44 .37 .44 
 
1984 .39 .39 .52 .53 .44 .47 .43 .43 
 
1985 .39 .36 .53 .49 .42 .46 .35 .42 
 
1986 .48 .37 .49 .45 .46 .49 .33 .44 
 
 Transportation 
- - - District 
1. Gainesville 
2. Tennille 
3. Thomaston 
4. Tifton 
"""" 5. Jesup 
6. Cartersvi 11 e 
7. Atlanta 
Totals 
 
TABLE 35 
RURAL/E & H VEHICLE COSTS PER PASSENGER TRIP (1983- 1986) 
 
1983 $ 1.24 
1.75 1.36 1.31 1.54 1.34 2.80 $ 1.57 
 
1984 $ 1.16 
1.38 1.16 1.15 1.24 1.14 1.93 $ 1.29 
 
1985 $ 1.43 
1.50 1.17 1.28 1.24 1.16 1.92 $ 1.37 
 
.!.!!.!!i 
$ 1.27 1.42 1.18 1.34 1.28 1.02 1.93 
$ 1.32 
 
 Transportation District 
 
1. Gainesville 
 
2. Tennille 
 
3. Thomaston 
 
a> 
 
0 
 
4. Tifton 
 
5. Jesup 
 
6. Cartersville 
 
7. Atlanta 
 
Totals 
 
TABLE 36 
RURAL/E & H VEHICLE COSTS PER MILE (1983- 1986) 
 
1983 $ .53 
.70 .66 .74 .69 .59 1.03 $ .68 
 
1984 $ .45 
.53 .60 .61 .54 .53 .72 $ .56 
 
1985 $ .56 
.53 .62 .63 .52 .53 .68 $ .58 
 
1986 $ .61 
.53 .57 .60 .58 .50 .64 $ .58 
 
 Transportation District 
 
1. Gainesville 
 
2. Tennille 
 
3. Thomaston 
 
4. Tifton 
 
"....'. 
 
5. Jesup 
 
6. Cartersville 
 
7. Atlanta 
 
Totals 
 
TABLE 37 
RURAL/E & H PASSENGER TRIPS PER CAPITA (1983- 1986) 
 
1983 .74 .55 .38 .24 .72 .48 1.31 .53 
 
1984 .8~ .62 .55 .33 .93 .62 1.36 .66 
 
1985 .98 .72 .61 .50 .93 .74 2.32 .80 
 
1986 1.31 
.90 .66 .58 1.13 .96 2.42 .96 
 
 Transportation District 
 
1. Gainesville 
 
2. Tennille 
 
3. Thomaston 
 
4. Tifton 
 
0> 
"" 
 
5. Jesup 
 
6. Cartersville 
 
7. Atlanta 
 
Totals 
 
TABLE 38 
RURAL/E & H TOTAL MILES (1983 - 1986) 
 
1983 738,389 581,810 465,511 208,732 646,908 511 '818 435,960 3,589,128 
 
1984 947,060 673,551 624,181 305,875 852,329 624,167 448' 110 4,475,273 
 
1985 1,056,567 
858,353 673,432 515,447 889,706 754,322 801,884 5,549,711 
 
~ 1,178,440 1,013,528 
798,447 651,131 997,078 922,992 887,057 6,448,673 
 
 Transportation 
- - - District 
1. Gainesville 
2. Tennille 
3. Thomaston 
4. Tifton 
0> 5. Jesup 
c.> 
6. Cartersville 
7. Atlanta 
 
TABLE 39 SELECTED EXPENSE DATA- GEORGIA RURAL SYSTEMS (1986) 
 
Total Vehicle Expense $713,735 538,255 458,589 393,502 585,243 461,790 
$570 '710 
 
Programs That Programs With Charge Fare Donations Only 
 
5 
 
13 
 
5 
 
15 
 
7 
 
18 
 
4 
 
12 
 
8 
 
4 
 
6 
 
4 
 
6 
 
7 
 
Avg. Monthly Driver Salary 
$746 805 771 692 591 765 
$780 
 
Top Driver Salary $916 1,050 952 1,580 850 1,300 $852 
 
 TABLE 40 SYSTEM PROFILE- GEORGIA RURAL SYSTEMS (1986) 
 
Transportation District 
1. Gainesville 2. Tennille 3. Thomaston 4. Tifton 
0> 
~ 
5. Jesup 6. Cartersvi 11 e 7. Atlanta 
Totals 
 
Total Vehicles 
65 52 42 39 61 50 48 357 
 
Total Drivers 
66 55 45 29 71 73 66 405 
 
Other # Part-Time Total Ellli>_loye_es Employ~es Operators 
 
30 
 
74 
 
19 
 
38 
 
47 
 
28 
 
33 
 
41 
 
25 
 
31 
 
12 
 
16 
 
35 
 
82 
 
12 
 
32 
 
97 
 
16 
 
35 
 
46 
 
7 
 
234 
 
399 
 
123 
 
Dominant Service Type Fixed Route Fixed Route Fixed Route Demand Response Point Deviation Fixed Route Fixed Route 
 
 TABLE 41 16B2 ELDERLY & HANDICAPPED PROGRAM SUMMARY 
CALENDAR YEAR 1986 
 
!!!tal Passenger Trips 
Elderly Handicapped Non-Ambulatory 
Trip Purposes 
Medical Employment Nutrition Social/Recreation Education Shopping/Personal Other 
Total 
Total Miles Driven 
Operating Expenses 
Salaries Fuel & Oil Maintenance Repairs Insurance Other 
Total 
Total Vehicles 
 
2,018,451 
1,201,137 543,334 31,844 
145,777 139,972 742,776 155,411 283,665 244,461 306,389 
2,018,451 
4,364,213 
1,954,280 486,618 92,056 179,484 270,143 52,097 
3,034,678 
253* 
 
*Does not include GDOT reserve vehicles. 65 
 
 Calendar Year 
 
1983 
 
1984 
 
0'> 
 
1985 
 
0'> 
 
1986 
 
TABLE 42 
1682 PROGRAM- STATISTICAL SUMMARY (1983- 1986) 
 
Total 
Pass.Tri~ 
1,252,442 1,496,679 1,702,324 2,018,451 
 
Total Miles 2,638,715 3,179,356 3,861,205 4,364,213 
 
Total Operating 
~ense 
$1,803,109 
2,073,699 
2,683,885 
$3,034,678 
 
*Active vehicles only. 
 
Total Vehicles * 
219 242 261 253 
 
 Trip Purpose 
 
Medical 
 
Employment 
 
Nutrition 
 
Socia 1/ R e c r e a t i o n 
 
Education 
 
.0..>, 
 
Shopping/Personal 
 
Other 
 
Totals 
 
TABLE 43 
16B2 PROGRAM- PASSENGER TRIPS BY PURPOSE (1983- 1986) 
 
1983 69,705 39,338 622,017 96,884 180,327 151,169 93,002 1,252,442 
 
1984 92,438 45,677 671 '769 87,197 237,399 194,381 167,818 1,496,679 
 
1985 114,578 
60,604 691,018 126,042 250,105 215,409 244,568 1,702,324 
 
1986 145,777 139,972 742,776 155,411 283,665 244,461 306,389 2,018,451 
 
 FIGURE 13 
Section 16B2 Program-Passenger Trips By Purpose (1986) 
68 
 
 TABLE 44 
16B2 PROGRAM- SELECTED STATISTICS (1986) 
 
Transportation District 
1. Gainesville 2. Tennille 3. Thomaston 4. Tifton 
"~ ' 
5. Jesup 6. Cartersville 7. Atlanta 
Totals 
 
Total Pass. 407,395 240,470 349,184 226,203 372,547 127,502 295,150 2,018,451 
 
Total Miles 794,374 691,043 669,041 362,872 750,454 209,372 887,057 4,364,213 
 
Pass./ Mile 
.51 .35 .52 .62 .50 .61 .33 .46 
 
Veh. Cost/ Mile $.61 
.54 .59 .68 .62 .42 .64 $.60 
 
Veh. Cost/ ~ 1.19 
1. 55 1.13 
1.10 1.26 
.70 
1.93 1.30 
 
Vehicle 
~ense 
$ 485,702 373,025 395,724 248,548 467,565 88,908 570,710 
$2,630,182 
 
 OEerai:ing E~enses 
 
Salaries 
 
Fuel & Oil 
 
Maintenance 
 
Repairs 
 
"0 "' 
 
Insurance 
 
Other 
 
Totals 
 
TABLE 45 
1682 PROGRAM- TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES (1983 - 1986) 
 
1983 $1,151,100 
371,323 27,432 
111,207 117,741 
24,306 $1,803,109 
 
1984 $1,360,383 
416,625 34,245 
101,597 138,730 
22,119 $2,073,699 
 
1985 $1,712,404 
558,463 39,303 118,686 217,530 37,499 $2,683,885 
 
1986 $1,954,280 
486,618 92,056 
179,484 270,143 52,097 $3,034,678 
 
 TABLE 46 SECTION 18 PROGRAM SUMMARY 
CALENDAR YEAR 1986 
-Tot!!! Passenger Trips IDderly Handicapped Non-Ambulatory 
,!!:_ip Purposes 
Medical Employment Nutrition Social/Recreation Education Shopping/Personal Other 
Total 
Total Miles Driven 
Operating Expenses 
Salaries Fuel & Oil Maintenance Repairs Insurance Other 
Total 
Total Vehicles 
 
802,621 
506,318 148,224 
18,049 
52,181 50,672 219,327 112,032 65,278 154,448 148,683 
802,621 
2,084,460 
971,069 207,391 
24,247 77,400 119,963 52,072 
1,452,142 
104* 
 
*Does not include GDOT reserve vehicles. 71 
 
 Calendar Year 
 
1983 
 
1984 
 
1985 
 
_, 
 
"" 
 
1986 
 
TABLE 47 
SECTION 18 PROGRAM- STATISTICAL SUMMARY (1983 - 1986) 
 
Total Pass.Trip 313,111 447,061 629,628 802,621 
 
Total Miles 950,413 1,295,917 1,688,506 2,084,460 
 
Total Operating 
~enses 
$ 652,579 
955,835 
1,197,432 
$1,452,142 
 
*Active vehicles only. 
 
Total 
Vehicles * 
72 80 116 104 
 
 TABLE 48 
SECTION 18 PROGRAM- PASSENGER TRIPS BY PURPOSE (1983 - 1986) 
 
Trip Purpose 
 
Medical 
 
Employment 
 
Nutrition 
 
.... 
 
Social/Recreation 
 
<-.:> 
 
Education 
 
Shopping/Personal 
 
Other 
 
Totals 
 
1983 18,616 
9,298 140,946 
35,791 18,091 69,248 21,121 313,111 
 
1984 23,943 13,669 195,950 49,611 20,187 82,600 61,100 447,060 
 
19S5 46,887 37,414 222,343 78,325 33,470 117' 271 93,918 629,628 
 
1986 52,181 50,672 219,327 112,032 65,278 154,448 148,683 802,621 
 
 FIGURE 14 Section 18 Program-Passenger Trips By Purpose 
(1986) 
74 
 
 Transportation District 
 
1. Gainesvi 11 e 
 
2. Tennille 
 
3. Thomaston 
 
"<"n' 
 
4. Tifton 
 
5. Jesup 
 
6. Cartersville 
 
Totals 
 
TABLE 49 
SECTION 18 PROGRAM- SELECTED STATISTICS (1986) 
 
Total Pass. Trips 152,392 138,317 39,543 66,750 82,438 323,181 802,621 
 
Total Miles Driven 384,066 322,485 129,406 288,259 246,624 
713,620 2,084,460 
 
Pass. Trips/ Mile 
.40 
.43 .31 .23 .33 
.45 .39 
 
Veh. Cost/ Mile $ .59 
.51 
.49 .50 .48 
.52 $ .52 
 
Veh. Cost/ ~ $1.50 
1.19 
1.59 
2.17 
1.43 
1.15 
$1.36 
 
Total Veh. Exp. 
$ 228,033 165,230 62,865 144,954 117,678 372,882 
$1,091,642 
 
 TABLE 50 
SECTION 18 PROGRAM- TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES (1983 - 1986) 
 
OJ:!erating E:92enses 
 
1983 
 
Salaries 
 
$376,015 
 
Fuel & Oil 
 
130,374 
 
Maintenance 
 
9,876 
 
.... 
 
Repairs 
 
a> 
 
Insurance 
 
32,546 32,435 
 
Other 
 
71,333 
 
Totals 
 
$652,579 
 
1984 $569,162 
160,348 17,765 30,533 105,281 72,746 $955,835 
 
1985 $ 779,488 
202,346 31,010 46,355 88,442 49,791 $1,197,432 
 
1986 $ 971,069 
207,391 24,247 77,400 119,963 52' 072 $1,452,142 
 
 TABLE 51 RURAL/ELDERLY & HANDICAPPED PROGRAM SUMMARY 
CALENDAR YEAR 1986 
 
-Total Passenger Tri12s Elderly Handicapped Non-Ambulatory 
.!!:!P Pur12oses 
Medical Employment Nutrition Socia 1/ R e c r e a t i o n Education Shopping/Personal Other 
Total 
Total Miles Driven 
Ql!!!rating: Ex12enses 
Salaries Fuel & Oil Maintenance Repairs Insurance Other 
Total 
Total Vehicles 
 
Section 18 
802,621 
506,318 148,224 18,049 
 
1682 
2,018,451 
1,201,137 543,334 31,844 
 
Total 
2,821,072 
1,707,455 691,558 49,893 
 
52,181 50,672 219,327 112,032 65,278 154,448 148,683 
802,621 
2,084,460 
 
145,777 139,972 742,776 155,411 283,665 244,461 306,389 
2,018,451 
4,364,213 
 
197,958 190,644 962,103 267,443 348,943 398,909 455,072 
2,821,072 
6,448,673 
 
971,069 207,391 24,247 77,400 119,963 
52,072 
1,452,142 
104* 
 
1,954,280 486,618 92,056 179,484 270 '143 52,097 
3,034,678 
253* 
 
2,925,349 694,009 116,303 256,884 390,106 104,169 
4,486,820 
357* 
 
Does not include GDOT reserve vehicles. 77 
 
 The Georgia Park and Ride Lot Program 
Park and Ride lots statewide provide a staging area for Ridesharing and for the use of other public transit services. The lots are designed to meet the needs of the local areas they serve. Lot capacities range from as few as five spaces in rural Georgia to as many as 601 in metropolitan Atlanta. 
The first GDOT lot opened in 1979 with a capacity of 59 spaces. Prior to this time, five Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) lots were in service. Since the opening of the first GDOT lot, the Department has constructed 69 additional lots with spaces totaling 4,437. In total, the Georgia Park and Ride Lot Program has 75 lots (including MARTA) in service with spaces totaling 5,634 statewide. 
As part of the Department's monitoring process, quarterly utilization counts have been conducted for each of the lots systemwide. Since 1981, utilization has increased yearly by an average of 221 vehicles per year or 134% overall. A special Park and Ride Lot user survey was conducted during 1986. A summary of the results are as follows: 
Park and Ride Survey Summary (1986) 
Use of park/ride rideshare facilities continues to increase by approximately 221 users per year. At the end of 1986, 5,634 spaces were available at 75 locations. The average daily utilization in 1986 was 1,936 (35%). 
The statewide average one-way travel distance from home to lot was 6.3 miles and from lot to destination, 22.3 miles. For rural lots, the statewide average from lot t9 destination was 35.7 miles and for urban lots 18.8 miles. 
78 
 
 systemwide, 95% of all trips made were for work purposes. In urban 
.,eas. the majority {67%) of all users were office/clerical workers, and in 
rural areas, the majority {62%) were craftsmen. Seventy percent of all users 
beCAme aware of the lots through observation, thus roadside visibility is critical to the success of the park/ride program. 
The mode of travel from park/ride lots to the various destinations in 
urb8ll areas varied significantly from rural areas primarily because of the 
availability of bus service. In rural areas, the majority of users formed carpools (59%) and vanpools {34%); only 7% left by bus. In urban areas, the majority of users left by bus {71 %). Significantly fewer urban users left in carpools (23%) and vanpools {6%). 
The statewide average length of time for using a lot was 2.2 years, rural and urban lots were 2.8 and 2.1 years respectively. For users who carpool/vanpool, the statewide average occupancy per vehicle is 4.8 persons (4.1 urban, 5.7 rural). The statewide average length of time carpooling/vanpooling was 4.2 years {3.7 urban, 4.9 rural). 
Primary concerns of users were security {39%), lighting {25%), additional II(MlCes {25%) and need for trash receptacles {11 %). 
79 
 
 FIGURE 15 
 
Park and Ride Facilities 1986 
 
80 
 
 J'IGURB 16 
Metro Atlant a 1nset 
 
IL-~ 
 
 l i 
I CHEROKEE 
 
i 
 
e \ I 
 
 n 
__,_._-{) 
 
l 
, 
 
.'-,.:.J.';o~ r 
 
I 
\ I 
 
GWINNETT 
 
 
 
COBB 
 
___ I ~ i!.~ /,/ J-.- 
 
"1..O 
 
DE KAL~' 
 
DOUGL! 
 
r .;) 
 
. 
 
lv 
 
I 
 
<c. - 
 
[_,--1- ~-JI 
 
~i ! 
0 
 
, 
 
L ---r--~ I 
 
~ z 
<_j 
 
') 
.J,i 
I 
 
\ '---o-0/ 
 
~~TTEY.J 
 
\ ___J, 
 
81 
 
 TABLE 52 OPERATING PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES (1986) 
 
LOCATION 
 
1. SR 365 & SR 20 2. SR 36 5 & Spouts Spring 3. SR 365 & SR 53 4. SR 400 & SR 60 5. SR 15 & SR 102 Warthen 
 
6. County Courthouse Eastman 7. U.S. 80 & Rice Avenue Dublin 8. SR 57 & SR 68 Balls Ferry 9. Waynesboro City Hall 10. I-520 & Wheeler Road 
 
00 
"" 
 
11  Broad Street & Gordon Highway 
 
12. Wrens 
 
13. Hephzibah City Hall 
 
14. City Lot Unadilla 
 
15. SR 166 & N. Lake Drive Carrollton 
 
16. 1-20 & SR 113 #4 17. Ledo Road & SR 50 18. I-75 & SR 50 #18 19. I-75 & SR 31 #3 Valdosta 20. 1-75 & SR 38 #4 Valdosta 
 
21. I-75 & SR 112 #28 
22. SR 7 & SR 376 Twin Lakes 
23. U.S. 19 & U.S. 82 Slappey Blvd. Albany 
24. SR 91 & SR 133 Albany 
25. Pelham City Lot 
 
COUNTY 
Gwinnett Hall Hall Lumpkin Washington 
Dodge Laurens Washington Burke Richmond 
Richmond Jefferson Richmond Dooly Carroll 
Carroll Lee Tift Lowndes Lowndes 
Turner Lowndes Dougherty Dougherty Mitchel I 
 
CAPACITY 
335 18 
126 5 
11 
29 31 21 10 37 
44 24 10 22 15 
15 31 24 15 20 
15 30 30 21 20 
 
 TABLE 52 (continued) 
 
LOCATION 
 
26. SR 76 & SR 33 27. Courthouse Street Claxton 28. Brantley Co. Senior Citizens Nahunta 29. Charlton County Courthouse Folkston 30. SR 23 at Glennville 
 
31. I-95 & SR 204 32. I-95 & SR 21 33. 1-16 & SR 30 34. SR 322 & SR 23 Hortense 35. Telfair County Fairground McRae 
 
36. Effingham County Courthouse Springfield 
 
00 
 
"" 
 
37. Midway 
 
38. Market Street & 4th Avenue Chatsworth 
 
39. Ball Ground 
 
40. U.S. 41 & Gordon County Courthouse Calhoun 
 
41. Bremen Hospital 42. SR 5 at Etowah River Canton 43. SR 61 South of Dallas 44. County Courthouse Buchanan 45. Philpot & Alpha Way Cedartown 
 
46. Sam Howell Hospital Cartersville 47. Fairmount Public Square 48. Abernathy Road & GA 400 49. Doraville 50. Stone Mountain 
 
COUNTY 
Brooks Evans Brantley Charlton Tattnall 
Chatham Chatham Bryan Brantley Telfair 
Effingham Liberty Murray Cherokee Gordon 
Haralson Cherokee Paulding Haralson Polk 
Bartow Gordon Fulton DeKalb DeKalb 
 
~ITY 
20 28 88 28 30 
20 38 40 14 100 
60 19 29 40 17 
57 173 167 24 31 
16 10 352 217 150 
 
 LOCATION 
 
51. Perimeter Mall 52. South Fulton 53. I-20 & West Avenue Conyers 54. Memorial Drive 55. I-285 & Campbellton Road 
 
56. U.S. 41 & SR 136 Resaca 57. SR 22 W. of Milledgeville 58. City of Reynolds 59. U.S. 78 & Hewatt Road 60. I-85 & Indian Trail Road 
 
61. I-75 & SR 351, #72 
 
62. City of Vienna 
 
00 
 
63. Woodstock 
 
*'" 
 
64. I-20 & Gresham Road 
 
65. I-75 & SR 300 
 
66. SR 300 & 8-0944 67. SR 32 & U.S. 19 Leesburg 68. I-20 & Lee Road 69. SR 124 & SR 211 70. SR 87 By-Pass Cochran 
 
71. SR 29 E. of Dublin 72. Pope St. & SR 50 73. City of Guyton 74. SR 15 & SR 50 Hobokey 75. SR 3 Adairsville 
 
TABLE 52 (continued) 
COUNTY 
DeKalb Fulton Rockdale DeKalb Fulton 
Gordon Baldwin Taylor Gwinnett Gwinnett 
Henry Dooly Cherokee DeKalb Crisp 
Drisp Lee Douglas Barrow Blackley 
Laurens Worth Effingham Brantley Bartow 
TOTAL SPACES 
 
CAPACITY 
116 420 44 362 255 
10 20 30 172 506 
15 35 73 601 19 
19 15 45 20 50 
20 15 20 15 10 
5,634 
 
 The Georgia Rideshare Program (GRP) 
During 1986, the Georgia Rideshare Program (GRP) assisted Georgians to achieve efficient mobility. The major program emphasis areas consist of providing support services to local operational Rideshare programs and JDAintaining a Rideshare matching service. Operational Rideshare programs tlcluded the Augusta-Richmond County area, Cobb County and Douglas County. In addition, the Rideshare Program was included in the 12 Area Planning and Development Commission (APDC) programs. Those APDC's that participated 
were Central Savannah River; Chattahoochee Flint; Coastal Georgia; Coosa 
Velley; Georgia Mountains; Lower Chattahoochee; Middle Flint; Middle Georgia; North Georgia; Northeast Georgia; South Georgia and Southwest Georgia. 
During 1986 the GRP continued its Marketing Awareness Program. A multi-media approach was utilized, including television, radio, newspaper and billbOard public service announcements (PSA's). These PSA's were utilized by the operational Rideshare programs to publicize the dedicated telephone line for their areas as well as the 656-POOL dedicated telephone line for the Atlanta metro area; where individuals can call in and receive information on Rideshare alternatives. A feature of the Marketing Awareness Program which significantly Increased the influx of daily telephone calls was the location of Interstate signs that display: 
FOR RIDESHARE INFORMATION CALL 656-POOL 
Another feature of the Marketing Awareness Program is the strategic location of Park & Ride lot signs along the interstate. These signs publicize park & ride locations where individuals can meet to form carpools and vanpools. Operational Rideshare programs continue to contact major employers and area Chambers of Commerce as an integral part of their Marketing activities. 
85 
 
 PIGUaa U 
 
Georgia 
Rail Passenger Service 
 
   Passenger Rail Line 
 
 
 
Passenger Station 
 
. 
 
&8 
 
 RAILROAD PASSENGER SERVICE IN GEORGIA 
 
Rail passenger service in Georgia is provided by AMTRAK. AMTRAK operates the following routes: 
(1) The Crescent operates between Washington, D.C. and New Orleans with stops in Atlanta, Gainesville and Toccoa. 
(2) The Palmetto, the Silver Meteor, and the Silver Star operate daily between New York and points in Florida with stops in Savannah and Jesup. 
 
AMTRAK PASSENGER COUNTS (1986) 
 
Ci!Y Atlanta Gainesville Toccoa Jesup Savannah Totals 
 
On 52,329 
3,692 1,834 3,947 24,132 85,934 
 
Off 51,935 
3,542 2,345 3,815 23,960 85,597 
 
Total 104,264 
7,234 4,179 7,762 48,092 171,531 
 
87 
 
 TABLE 53 COMPARISON OF RAIL PASSENGERS BETWEEN 1985 and 1986 
 
City 
 
Atlanta 
 
Gainesville 
 
00 
 
00 
 
Toccoa 
 
Jesup 
 
Savannah 
 
Totals 
 
1985 117,646 
7,404 3,997 8,358 50,535 187,940 
 
1986 104,264 
7,234 4,179 7,762 48,092 171,531 
 
Percent Change -11.4 -2.3 +4.6 -7.1 -4.8 -8.7 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 A-1 1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR ALBANY 
 
TRANSIT AGENCY: CONTACT PERSON: ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 
 
Albany Transit System (ATS) E. V. (Buddy) Carter, General Manager 712 Flint Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701 (912) 435-9491 
 
TOTAL EXPENSE TOTAL REVENUE OPERATING DEFICIT NUMBER OF BUSES AVERAGE BUS AGE TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS COST/PASSENGER TRIP DEFICIT/PASSENGER TRIP OPERATING RATIO VEHICLE MILES PASSENGER TRIP/VEHICLE MILE COST/VEHICLE MILE REVENUE/VEHICLE MILE VEHICLE HOURS REVENUE/EXPENSE DEFICIT/MILE 
 
$791,686 $288,597 $503,089 
16 8.3 848,887 $.93 $.59 2.74 431,164 1.97 $1.84 $.67 32,563 $.36 $1.17 
 
89 
 
 A-2 1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR ATHENS 
 
TRANSIT AGENCY: CONTACT PERSON: ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 
 
Athens Transit System (ATS) Jerry Mooney, Director 324 Pound Street, Athens, Georgia 30601 (404) 353-1444 
 
TOTAL EXPENSE TOTAL REVENUE OPERATING DEFICIT NUMBER OF BUSES AVERAGE BUS AGE TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS COST/PASSENGER TRIP DEFICIT/PASSENGER TRIP OPERATING RATIO VEHICLE MILES PASSENGER TRIP/VEHICLE MILE COST/VEHICLE MILE REVENUE/VEHICLE MILE VEHICLE HOURS REVENUE/EXPENSE DEFICIT/MILE 
 
$951,666 $323,606 $628,060 
16 10.56 610,439 $1.56 $1.03 
2.94 330,234 
1.85 $2.88 
$.98 25,771 
$.34 $1.90 
 
90 
 
 A-3 1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR ATLANTA 
 
'J'RANSIT AGENCY: coNTACT PERSON: AJ)DRESS: fBLEPHONE: 
 
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Kenneth M. Gregor, General Manager 401 W. Peachtree St., N.E., Atlanta, GA 30365 (404) 586-5000 
 
'I'()TAL EXPENSE 'I'()TAL REVENUE OPERATING LOSS NUMBER OF BUSES AVERAGE BUS AGE TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS COST/PASSENGER TRIP DEFICIT/PASSENGER TRIP OPERATING RATIO VEHICLE MILES PASSENGER TRIPS/VEHICLE MILE COST/VEHICLE MILE REVENUE/VEHICLE MILE VEHICLE HOURS REVENUE/EXPENSE DEFICIT/MILE 
 
$128,338,000 $45,522,000 $82,816,000 895 10.62 150,013,000 $.86 $.55 2.82 42,584,656 3.52 $3.01 $1.07 2,719,630 $.35 $1.95 
 
91 
 
 A-4 1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR AUGUSTA 
 
TRANSIT AGENCY: CONTACT PERSON: ADDRESS: TLEEPHONE: 
 
Augusta Public Transit (APT) A. W. Revelle, General Manager 1516 Wall Street, Augusta, Georgia 30904 (404) 722-2035 
 
TOTAL EXPENSE TOTAL REVENUE OPERATING DEFICIT NUMBER OF BUSES AVERAGE BUS AGE TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS COST/PASSENGER TRIP DEFICIT/PASSENGER TRIP OPERATING RATIO VEHICLE MILES PASSENGER TRIP/VEHICLE MILE COST/VEHICLE MILE REVENUE/VEHICLE MILE VEHICLE HOURS REVENUE/EXPENSE DEFICIT/MILE 
92 
 
$1,529,776 $708,034 $821,742 34 9.46 2,009,289 $.76 $.41 2.16 902,782 2.23 $1.69 $.78 76,733 $.46 $.91 
 
 A-5 1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR COLUMBUS 
 
TRANSIT AGENCY: CONTACT PERSON: ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 
 
Columbus Transit System (METRA) George Moore, General Manager P.O. Box 1340, Columbus, Georgia 31902 (404) 571-4700 
 
TOTAL EXPENSE TOTAL REVENUE OPERATING DEFICIT NUMBER OF BUSES AVERAGE BUS AGE TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS COST/PASSENGER TRIP DEFICIT/PASSENGER TRIP OPERATING RATIO VEHICLE MILES PASSENGER TRIP/VEHICLE MILE COST/VEHICLE MILE REVENUE/VEHICLE MILE VEHICLE HOURS REVENUE/EXPENSE DEFICIT/MILE 
 
$2,113,743 $936,550 
$1,177,193 54 
11.25 2,561,571 
$.83 $.46 2.26 1,273,332 2.01 $1.66 $.74 112,800 $.44 $.92 
 
93 
 
 A-6 1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR MACON 
 
TRANSIT AGENCY: CONTACT PERSON: ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 
 
Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority (MBTA) June V. Stearman, Director 815 Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia 31201 (912) 746-1340 
 
TOTAL EXPENSE TOTAL REVENUE OPERATING DEFICIT NUMBER OF BUSES AVERAGE BUS AGE TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS COST/PASSENGER TRIP DEFICIT/PASSENGER TRIP OPERATING RATIO VEHICLE MILES PASSENGER TRIP/VEHICLE MILE COST/VEHICLE MILE REVENUE/VEHICLE MILE VEHICLE HOURS REVENUE/EXPENSE DEFICIT/MILE 
 
$1,643,353 $994,426 $648,927 42 7.79 1,746,902 $.94 $.37 1.65 832,374 2.1 $1.97 $1.19 60,310 $.61 $.78 
 
94 
 
 A-7 1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR ROME 
 
TRANSIT AGENCY: CONTACT PERSON: ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 
 
Rome Transit Department (RTD) Lydell Whittle, Transit Director 168 North Avenue, Rome, Georgia 30161 (404) 291-4760 
 
TOTAL EXPENSE TOTAL REVENUE OPERATING DEFICIT NUMBER OF BUSES AVERAGE BUS AGE TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS COST/PASSENGER TRIP DEFICIT/PASSENGER TRIP OPERATING RATIO VEHICLE MILES PASSENGER TRIPS/VEHICLE MILE COST/VEHICLE MILE REVENUE/VEHICLE MILE VEHICLE HOURS REVENUE/EXPENSE DEFICIT/MILE 
95 
 
$1 ,015,152 $278,200 $736,952 32 4.41 962,119 $1.06 $.77 3.65 498,611 1.93 $2.04 $.56 35,450 $.27 $1.48 
 
 A-8 1986 TRANSIT SUMMARY FOR SAVANNAH 
 
TRANSIT AGENCY: CONTACT PERSON: ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 
 
Chatham Area Transit (CAT) Mike Harbour, General Manager 900 E. Gwinnett Street, Savannah, Georgia 31412 (912) 233-5768 
 
TOTAL EXPENSE TOTAL REVENUE OPERATING DEFICIT NUMBER OF BUSES AVERAGE BUS AGE TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS COST/PASSENGER TRIP DEFICIT/PASSENGER TRIP OPERATING RATIO VEHICLE MILES PASSENGER TRIP/VEHICLE MILE COST/VEHICLE MILE REVENUE/VEHICLE MILE VEHICLE HOURS REVENUE/EXPENSE DEFICIT/MILE 
96 
 
$4,510,638 $2,215,877 $2,294,761 
57 12.63 3,598,086 $1.25 
$.64 2.04 1,604,415 2.24 $2.81 $1.38 125,783 $.49 $1.43