About 'the Buc" In operation since 2003, “the buc” is fast, frequent, FREE shuttle service in Buckhead that provides connections between local office buildings, transit stops and shopping destinations. Ride “the buc”.  It will: Connect you directly to MARTA’s rail service - making commuting to work using transit even easier! Provide a new way for Buckhead’s residents, visitors and workers to get to and from meetings, conventions, lunch and shopping destinations Allow you to leave the driving to someone else – reducing stress and road rage. Make it easier for those without a car (carpoolers and vanpoolers) to get about during the day Hours of Operation “The buc” operates Monday through Friday during the following hours: Morning Commute... 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Blue, Green, Red and Purple Lines (Blue and Green every 15 minutes, Purple every 20 minutes). Red Line is every 8-15 minutes Lunchtime... 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Blue, Green and Red Lines only (Green and Blue every 15 minutes). Red Line is every 8-15 minutes Evening Commute... 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Blue, Green, Red and Purple Lines (Green, Blue every 20 minutes and Purple every 30 minutes). Red Line is every 8-15 minutes

Fare

FREE – because the buc is supported by local tax dollars as well as federal funding, there is no fare for riding.  If you are connecting to another system such as MARTA, you will be required to pay the fare for that system.

Observed Holidays - 2009
Service will not be provided on the following holidays

• New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1st
• Memorial Day – Monday, May 25th
• Independence Day – Friday, July 3rd  
• Labor Day – Monday, September 7th
• Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26th
• Christmas Day – Friday, December 25th
• ½ Day Christmas Eve – Thursday, December 24th – Service ends at 1:30 p.m.
• ½ New Year’s Eve – Thursday, December 31st – Service ends at 1:30 p.m.

How is “the buc” funded?

 “the buc” would not have been possible without the collaboration of many organizations working together to ease the stress and strain of Buckhead’s phenomenal growth. 

The Buckhead Community Improvement District , a self taxing entity created voluntarily by area property owners, committed $1.5 million to the initial system startup and continues to provide annual support of $1 million to the system.

The Buckhead Area Transportation Management Association “BATMA” , a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting alternative modes of travel, guided the development of the system and oversees the daily operation of the system.

The Georgia Regional Transit Authority “GRTA” serves as the conduit for federal funding that comes to the system.

Who manages “the buc”?

The day to day operation is overseen by the Buckhead Area Transportation Management Association “BATMA.”  The system is operated by American Coach Lines, Inc.

Special Features

• All “buc” vehicles are outfitted with wheelchair lifts to assist riders who cannot board the shuttle on foot
• All “buc” vehicles are outfitted with AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) which can help save lives in the event of heart failure.  All buc drivers are trained in CPR as well as the use of the AED devices.
• All buc vehicles are equipped with Nextel communications and have direct links to on-duty Zone 2 police officers.
• All buc buses are cleaned by Samaritan House’s Clean Street Team

Who’s Who on the buc

Operator of the Year
Each year, the buc recognizes the operator who goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide exceptional customer service, quality driving and safe operation.  This year’s winner of the prestigious award is Elton “JR” Atkinson.

“JR” has been an employee of American Coach since May 2005, and started on the BUC in June 2005.  Elton has always been very dependable, a team player and accident free.  He has trained numerous drivers on the BUC routes and he doesn’t hesitate to chip in whenever he can to cover an open route- according to his supervisors – “he always comes through.”  Passengers often compliment Elton on his outstanding customer service and his commitment to going above and beyond the call of duty.  Elton is a joy to work with on a daily basis and always brings a smile to his fellow co workers.

Safety on the buc

Providing our customers a pleasurable, safe and convenient trip is our primary goal and to that end, we take every precaution to ensure both passenger and public safety on our system. Just a few simple measures, like looking both ways before crossing the streets and several feet back from the curb, makes all the difference in preventing injuries. Safety is everybody's responsibility. Please take a moment to review the safety tips below.

• While waiting for your bus...
  • Wait for buses at designated stops - stand 2-3 feet from the curb.
  • Never run after a bus - you may slip and fall or be struck by another vehicle.
  • Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks to reach the bus stop. Never walk in a traffic lane.
  • Children should be kept close. Board the bus together.
    
    
• When getting on and off the bus...
  • Use handrails to help you keep your balance.
  • Avoid long stretch steps to the first step of the bus when boarding or to the curb when getting off the bus.

• While Riding on a bus...
  • Stand behind the white line while the bus is moving.
  • Don't lean or press on the doors.
  • Keep hands, feet and items clear from closing doors.
  • Wait for the bus to stop fully before leaving your seat.
  • Do not put any part of your body outside the bus window.
  • Keep your legs and personal items from extending into the isle to prevent others from tripping.
    
    
• When you get off the bus...
  • Step onto the sidewalk - don't walk between the side of the bus and the curb.
  • Never walk in front of the bus, even if it is stopped.
  • Use only designated crosswalks