Hamilton Mill Park and Ride Use Growing Steadily

Since its Aug. 1 opening, ridership at the Hamilton Mill Park and Ride has easily met expectations according to Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) chief public relations officer William Mecke.

“On Route 413 that goes to downtown Atlanta directly, the best day had 100 boardings which is as fast a start as we have ever had,” Mecke wrote in an emailed response to questions. “Route 411, that has been running for about a year from the Mall of Georgia, continues to perform well with its new starting point at Hamilton Mill.”

Boarding numbers for Route 411 from Hamilton Mill are not available since GRTA does not keep separate tallies for boardings from the Mall of Georgia and the Hamilton Mill Park and Ride. The route, however, has continued to grow according to expectations, Mecke said.

“It takes about six months before the average daily ridership numbers start reflecting core riders and about three years for ridership to mature fully,” Mecke added.

The Hamilton Mill Park and Ride, located at 3220 Sardis Church Road next to the Hamilton Mill Walmart, takes commuters to midtown and downtown Atlanta.

Two routes run out of the -- route 413 to downtown and route 411 to midtown. Route 411 includes a stop at the Mall of Georgia (see photos for route details).

On June 20, . Commuters choosing to use the Hebron Park and Ride may take route 416 to downtown Atlanta.

Both facilities are part of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Congestion Reduction Demonstration program. The $147 million Congestion Reduction Demonstration program, or CRD, is a pilot program funded with a $110 million federal grant and $37 million in state matching funds. As part of the program, the and transit service is being expanded.