Henry County has taken a major step toward a more connected future with the launch of Henry Connect Route 1, the county’s first fixed-route transit service.
The new route connects McDonough and Stockbridge, linking Henry County’s county seat with its largest city and giving residents another way to reach work, school, health care, shopping, community events, and regional transit connections.
County and city leaders celebrated the launch with ribbon-cutting ceremonies in McDonough and Stockbridge. At the Stockbridge ceremony, held at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Amphitheater, leaders described Henry Connect as more than a bus route. They called it a bridge to opportunity.
“Today represents much more than just buses and bus stops,” said Taleim “Tye” Salters, director of Henry County Transit. “It’s about connecting people to health care, jobs, education, shopping, and other essential destinations while also providing connections to regional transit services.”
The launch of Route 1 has been years in the making. Henry County Transit, county leadership, local municipalities, state and federal partners, regional transportation officials, consultants, and community partners worked together to bring the county’s Transit Master Plan to life.
For residents, Henry Connect creates new possibilities in everyday life. It can help a worker get to a shift on time, help a student reach a campus, help a senior get to a medical appointment, or help a family move through the day without depending on a personal vehicle for every trip.
At the ceremony, county leaders emphasized that transportation is directly connected to quality of life.
The route is designed to reduce barriers and make it easier for residents to move between McDonough and Stockbridge. It also creates better access to events and local destinations in both cities.
Commissioner Michael Price said the route could help reduce traffic by giving residents another option besides driving. He noted that a bus filled with riders could represent dozens of cars removed from the road.
Price also pointed to the benefit for community events. Stockbridge residents could ride to McDonough events such as the Geranium Festival, while McDonough residents could travel to Stockbridge events such as BridgeFest and Fourth of July celebrations.
Commissioner Neat Robinson encouraged residents to learn about the service, use it, and share the information with others. She said Henry Connect is especially important for young people, workers, students, and families who need access to education, employment, and regional connections.
Stockbridge Mayor Jaden Williams said the launch shows what is possible when city and county leaders work together.
“When we invest in transportation, we invest in people,” Williams said. “We invest in stronger communities, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that every resident has access to the resources they need to succeed.”
Regional transportation partners also helped shape the project. John Ravenel, formerly with the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority and now with the Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority, said Henry County began working with regional transit officials several years ago to evaluate and expand transit opportunities. He said the planning process helped move the idea from paper to an actual route serving residents.
Henry Connect Route 1 is a pilot route and part of a larger transit vision for the county. Additional routes are included in Henry County’s Transit Master Plan, meaning this launch is only the beginning.
For Henry County, the start of Henry Connect Route 1 represents more than a new bus service. It is a commitment to access, mobility, independence, and opportunity.
As the county continues to grow, Henry Connect offers a new way for residents to move through their communities, reach the places they need to go, and stay connected to the people and opportunities that shape daily life across Henry County.