Blue Line MARTA Rail
The Blue Line is a crucial part of the MARTA rail system, providing rapid transit between Hamilton E. Holmes and Indian Creek stations. This line connects key areas in Atlanta, Decatur, and parts of unincorporated DeKalb County, offering vital transportation for daily commuters and tourists alike. Below is a comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide to the Blue Line, covering its route, schedule, connections, and much more.
Blue Line Overview
The Blue Line spans the heart of Atlanta, running from Hamilton E. Holmes in the west to Indian Creek in the east. This line connects downtown Atlanta with important residential, commercial, and academic areas, including Decatur and DeKalb County. With multiple transfer options to other MARTA lines and buses, the Blue Line is one of the most used transit lines in the city.
Travel Time
The full trip on the Blue Line, from Hamilton E. Holmes to Indian Creek, takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
Blue Line Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Stations | 15 stations |
| Route Length | 15 miles (24 km) |
| Operation | Daily service, with peak-hour trains every 10 minutes and off-peak trains every 20 minutes |
| Shared Tracks | Shares tracks with the Green Line between Bankhead and Ashby |
| Operator | MARTA |
| Train Frequency | Every 10-20 minutes depending on the time of day |
| Electric Power | Third rail, 750 V DC |
| Type of Service | Above ground, elevated, and underground stations along the route |
| Transfers | Connects with the Red, Gold, and Green Lines at Five Points |
Blue Line Stations
| Station Name | Code | Opening Date | Transfer Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton E. Holmes | W5 | December 22, 1979 | MARTA buses |
| West Lake | W4 | 1979 | MARTA buses |
| Ashby | W3 | 1979 | MARTA buses, Green Line |
| Vine City | W2 | 1979 | MARTA buses |
| GWCC/CNN Center | W1 | 1979 | MARTA buses |
| Five Points | - | 1979 | Red Line, Gold Line, Green Line, MARTA buses |
| Georgia State | E1 | June 30, 1979 | MARTA buses |
| King Memorial | E2 | 1979 | MARTA buses |
| Inman Park/Reynoldstown | E3 | 1979 | MARTA buses |
| Edgewood/Candler Park | E4 | 1979 | MARTA buses |
| East Lake | E5 | 1979 | MARTA buses |
| Decatur | E6 | 1979 | MARTA buses |
| Avondale | E7 | 1979 | MARTA buses |
| Kensington | E8 | June 26, 1993 | MARTA buses |
| Indian Creek | E9 | 1993 | MARTA buses |
Schedule and Frequency
| Day | First Train | Last Train | Frequency (Peak Hours) | Frequency (Off-Peak) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 4:45 AM | 1:00 AM | 10 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM | 1:00 AM | 12 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Sunday | 6:00 AM | 12:30 AM | 20 minutes | 20 minutes |
Fare
| Fare Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Regular Fare (One-Way) | $2.50 |
| Reduced Fare (Seniors/Disabled) | $1.00 |
| Children under 46 inches | Free (up to 2 per paying adult) |
| MARTA Mobility | $4.00 |
| 1-Day Pass | $9.00 |
| 7-Day Pass | $23.75 |
| 30-Day Pass | $95.00 |
Passengers must use a Breeze Card or a Breeze Ticket, which can be purchased and reloaded at any station or online.
Connections to Other Lines and Transport
- Five Points Station: The Blue Line connects with the Red, Gold, and Green Lines at Five Points, allowing for seamless transfers.
- Green Line: The Blue Line shares tracks with the Green Line between Bankhead and Ashby.
- MARTA Buses: Every Blue Line station offers connections to MARTA bus routes, expanding access across the Atlanta metro area.
Benefits of Using the Blue Line
- Convenient for Commuters: The Blue Line connects major areas like downtown Atlanta, Decatur, and DeKalb County, offering reliable service for commuters.
- Direct Access to Downtown Atlanta: Key destinations such as the Georgia State Capitol, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Georgia World Congress Center are easily accessible via the Blue Line.
- Sustainable Transportation: Using the Blue Line reduces traffic congestion and lowers environmental impact compared to car travel.
- Affordable: With a low fare of $2.50 for a one-way trip, the Blue Line is one of the most affordable ways to get around Atlanta.
History of the Blue Line
The Blue Line is one of MARTA's oldest and most established lines. Construction began in 1975 for what was originally called the East Line. Service started on June 30, 1979, running from Avondale to Georgia State. Later that year, the West Line was opened between Five Points and Hamilton E. Holmes (formerly known as Hightower station), and the entire route became known as the East-West Line.
In 1993, the Blue Line was extended to its current eastern terminus at Indian Creek, marking MARTA's first expansion beyond Interstate 285. In 2009, MARTA introduced a color-coded naming system, and the East-West Line was renamed the Blue Line.
Points of Interest Along the Blue Line
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Located near Vine City station, this world-class stadium hosts the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC.
- Georgia World Congress Center: Accessible from GWCC/CNN Center station, this massive convention center hosts major events year-round.
- Decatur Square: Located near Decatur station, this vibrant area is known for its shops, restaurants, and local festivals.
- Georgia State University: Located near Georgia State station, a major academic hub in downtown Atlanta.
- Edgewood Retail District: Located near Inman Park/Reynoldstown station, offering a variety of shopping and dining options.
Tips for Using the Blue Line
- Purchase a Breeze Card: To avoid long lines and make your journey smoother, consider purchasing and reloading a Breeze Card in advance.
- Check Schedules: Train frequencies vary depending on the time of day, so be sure to check the schedule if you’re traveling during off-peak hours or late at night.
- Plan for Events: The Blue Line can become crowded during major events, such as football games or concerts, so plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fare for the Blue Line?
The regular fare is $2.50 for a one-way trip. Reduced fares are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and children under 46 inches.
How long does it take to travel the full length of the Blue Line?
The full trip from Hamilton E. Holmes to Indian Creek takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
Does the Blue Line connect to other MARTA rail lines?
Yes, the Blue Line connects with the Red, Gold, and Green Lines at Five Points station.
Is parking available at Blue Line stations?
Yes, parking is available at many Blue Line stations, including Hamilton E. Holmes, Kensington, and Indian Creek.
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