Georgia Regional Transportation Authority
The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority or GRTA (pronounced like the name "Greta" when referring to Xpress operations. Pronounced G.R.T.A. when referring to the authority) is a government agency in the U.S. state of Georgia. It was set up under former governor of Georgia Roy Barnes, in order to address mobility, air quality and land use and how they relate to the transportation needs of metro Atlanta, including both roads and public transit. It came about in large part because the numerous cities and counties in the region could not effectively (or would not at all) work with each other to achieve a comprehensive solution to the area's traffic woes, and increasing summertime smog problems.
Xpress Regional Commuter Coach Service
GRTA, in partnership with 12 metropolitan Atlanta counties, operates Xpress, metropolitan Atlanta's first truly regional commuter transit bus system. As of February 25, 2013 33 Xpress routes are in operation. Unless noted, service is provided by a private operator under contract to GRTA Xpress. Service hours are from roughly 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekdays with most service being rush hours only.