Sandy Springs bus riders on MARTA Route 5 now face a different southbound path after the transit agency realigned the route following completed intersection improvements at Mount Vernon Highway and Johnson Ferry Road.
The change took effect Saturday, Aug. 22 as part of a broader round of MARTA service updates that touched more than 30 bus routes systemwide, according to Rough Draft Atlanta. MARTA described the Route 5 adjustment as a "slight routing change," one of five routes that received routing adjustments in this round.
WSB-TV confirmed the changes are already in effect.
Route 5, officially named Piedmont Rd / Sandy Springs, is one of the primary bus lines serving the Sandy Springs corridor. The exact new stop-by-stop path has not been published in MARTA's announcements; riders should check the updated schedule and route map at itsmarta.com/5.aspx before their next trip.
The realignment is permanent, tied to infrastructure work already finished at the Mount Vernon Highway and Johnson Ferry Road intersection. MARTA did not specify which streets the bus previously used or now uses at that junction.
Other changes affecting Sandy Springs riders
Route 23 (Peachtree Road / Buckhead), which overlaps with the Sandy Springs corridor, is also getting schedule tweaks. On weekdays, northbound service will start 10 minutes earlier and end 14 minutes earlier. Southbound service will start and end 5 minutes later on weekdays and Saturdays.
Paratransit riders should plan ahead
MARTA warned that the routing changes could ripple into its Mobility paratransit service, which operates within a set distance of fixed bus routes and rail stations. The agency encouraged Mobility riders to review current service information and plan ahead. Riders needing trip reservation assistance can call 404-848-4212.
Transit access in Sandy Springs
Nearly 8 percent of Sandy Springs households lack access to a personal vehicle, according to the city's draft 2026 Transportation Master Plan. For those residents, bus route changes can directly affect how they reach jobs, schools and medical appointments.
The Route 5 realignment comes days after MARTA announced a separate $2-per-day parking rate increase at Sandy Springs station, as we reported Aug. 21. That hike takes effect Sept. 14.
