‘Driven toward the future': ACC Transit celebrates 50 years

Athens-Clarke County (ACC) Transit celebrated 50 years of public transportation service alongside more than 100 community members, drivers and department leaders at its “Driven Toward the Future” event Thursday. ACC Transit began its first service plan in 1976, averaging roughly 900 passengers per day, according to the department’s website. Today, the department offers 18 fare-free routes, partnering with the University of Georgia’s bus system to provide service to Athenians. The two systems boast a combined ridership of 2.5 million in fiscal year 2026, ranking as one of the highest in Georgia, second only to Atlanta-based MARTA. Former ACC transit director Butch McDuffie emphasized the department’s growth from just seven buses in 1976 to its current fleet of 32 hybrid-fuel buses, with plans to transition to zero-emission buses by 2035. “It’s come a long way,” McDuffie said. Multiple speakers reflected on the impact ACC Transit has made on their lives. Barbara Randolph began working for the department as a driver in 1996 before retiring in 2023 and returning later that year. She said the decision to return was simple because she enjoys working with the ACC Transit team, which she referred to as a family, and serving the public. Current ACC Transit Director Victor Pope said the department is already looking ahead to the next 50 years. He highlighted Better Bus Athens, a project launched to collect public input on the department’s current route network and reorganize it to better align with current commuter patterns. “Ensuring that we can offer the very best to this community is not only just my job; it’s because you all are my neighbors, my friends, my family. You all are Athens … so your input is important,” Pope said.