What You’ll Spend on Transit in Smyrna
For most residents, public transportation costs in Smyrna are very affordable compared to car ownership. The average one-way bus fare is just $2.50, while a 30-day pass ranges from $95 to $120 depending on the zones covered. A standard 30-day bus pass in Smyrna typically costs $105.
These prices put Smyrna in line with many similarly-sized cities across the U.S. The city’s CobbLinc transit system, operated by Cobb County, keeps fares low to ensure equitable access and encourage ridership. Even the longest commutes from the suburbs are reasonably priced.
Of course, your total monthly transit costs will depend on how often you ride and which passes you choose. But overall, Smyrna offers a cost-effective way to get around without a car. Let’s break down the options and crunch some numbers.
Transit Options Available
Smyrna’s public transportation network includes several modes to help you navigate the region:
- CobbLinc local and express buses
- MARTA heavy rail via the Dunwoody station
- CobbLinc and MARTA paratransit services
- Xpress commuter buses to Atlanta
CobbLinc is the primary provider, with extensive bus routes connecting Smyrna to major destinations like:
– Cumberland Mall
– Kennesaw State University
– WellStar Kennestone Hospital
– Downtown Marietta
If you work in Atlanta or need to reach the airport, CobbLinc connects to MARTA trains at the Dunwoody station. Xpress commuter buses also provide weekday rush hour service from Smyrna to Downtown and Midtown.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
To estimate your monthly public transportation costs in Smyrna, consider how often you’ll use transit and which passes make sense. Here’s a quick comparison for common scenarios:
| Rider Type | Fare Option | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday commuter | CobbLinc 30-day pass | $105 |
| Weekend rider | CobbLinc 10-ride pass | $45 |
| Heavy user | CobbLinc 30-day pass + Xpress 20-ride | $180 |
🏆 Winner: For most Smyrna commuters, a CobbLinc 30-day pass offers the best value. At just over $100, it provides unlimited rides on local routes. Supplement it with a 10-ride Xpress pass ($45) if you travel to Atlanta often.
Is Public Transit Worth It in Smyrna?
Choosing transit over driving can lead to big savings for Smyrna residents. The average bus commute in Smyrna takes 35-45 minutes, only slightly longer than driving in rush hour traffic. And with gas prices hovering around $3/gallon, fueling up adds up fast.
Let’s say you spend $105 per month on a bus pass. Assuming you commute 5 days a week, that’s just $5.25 per round trip. Driving a mid-size sedan the same distance would cost $8-$12 in gas alone, plus parking fees and vehicle wear-and-tear.
Then there’s the cost of car ownership itself. Between insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, AAA estimates owning a car in Georgia costs over $500 per month. Unless you need a vehicle for work or family reasons, riding transit is often the more economical choice in Smyrna.
Ways to Save on Transit
Looking to trim your transportation budget even further? Here are a few ways to save:
- Seniors (65+), youth (6-18), and riders with disabilities get 50% off most CobbLinc fares
- College students at KSU and Chattahoochee Tech ride CobbLinc free with ID
- Eligible low-income riders can access discounted fares through CobbLinc’s Reduced Fare Program
- Many employers offer subsidized transit passes or let you pay for fares with pre-tax dollars
Be sure to check if you qualify for these programs. Enrolling is usually quick and easy, and the discounts add up. Paying with pre-tax dollars via your employer, for example, could save you 30% or more on passes.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest way to get around Smyrna?
Walking and biking are always free! But if you need motorized transport, local CobbLinc buses are the most affordable option at $2.50 per ride or $105 for a 30-day pass.
Does Smyrna offer monthly transit passes?
Yes, CobbLinc sells 30-day unlimited ride passes for $105. You can also get a 10-ride pass for $25 or a 7-day pass for $23. MARTA and Xpress offer their own monthly passes for longer commutes.
Is transit reliable for commuting to work in Smyrna?
CobbLinc prides itself on reliability, and buses arrive every 15-30 minutes on most routes during peak hours. Real-time arrival info in the CobbLinc app makes trip planning easy. Most riders find transit a dependable, low-stress commute option.
Getting Around Smarter in Smyrna
As you can see, public transportation in Smyrna is a smart way to save money and simplify your commute. With affordable fares, extensive route coverage, and reliable service, CobbLinc and partners like MARTA and Xpress make it easy to navigate the region car-free.
Of course, everyone’s transit needs are different. Families with multiple commuters or folks in less dense areas may still need a car. Use the Monthly Budget Examples for Smyrna Residents to crunch the numbers for your situation and see how transit fits in.
Whichever mode you choose, Smyrna offers lots of great options for getting around efficiently. Here’s to happy commuting!