Built With Mobile

Mobile's bus system had barely changed in more than 20 years. Over the past year, thousands of riders, drivers, neighbors, and community partners helped us redesign it.

This is what we heard, what we changed, and how it's going.

Where It Began

Mobile's bus network had changed very little in more than 20 years, while the city around it grew and changed a lot. In October 2025, Via began operating The Wave in partnership with the City of Mobile to bring their vision of a more connected city to life. One of the first steps in this process was a full Transit Needs Assessment: a close look at ridership, routes, schedules, population, jobs, and the places people need to go.

Here's what the old system looked like:

Only 45% of residents lived within walking distance of a bus stop.
Nearly every route ran just once an hour, so a 15-minute drive could take an hour or more by bus.
MoGo on-demand service covered about 22 square miles, roughly 30% of the city's population.
Ridership had been declining for about a decade and had not recovered since the pandemic.
Riders' top frustrations were routes that didn't go where they needed and long wait times.

Built With Your Input

When	What happened
Dec 2025 – Feb 2026	We listened: a community survey, pop-up events, stakeholder and driver sessions, and meetings with every City Councilor.
Spring 2026	Mobile voted on a new name and chose Second Line Transit.
May 2026	We shared the draft plan and asked for your feedback online and at in-person information sessions.
Aug – Sept 2026	Our team held Pop up Office Hours at key transit hubs like the GM&O and Bel Air Mall and rode the buses to help riders prepare for the transition.
Sept 28, 2026	Second Line Transit launched.

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What Changed and Why

	Before	Now
Bus routes	12, mostly hourly	9 on weekdays and 4 on weekends, more frequent and direct
Microtransit zone	22 sq. miles	76 sq. miles
Bus–microtransit transfers	Not connected	Free
Old bus stops still served	—	100%, within the city of Mobile by bus or microtransit

You told us, and we responded:

• "Buses need to come more often." Busy corridors now have more frequent service, including every 30 minutes between Bel Air Mall and Downtown.

• "How will transfers and fares work?" Transfers between bus and microtransit are free, and discounted fares stayed the same.

• "Not everyone has a smartphone." You do not need an app to ride the bus, and microtransit can be booked by phone at (251) 344-6600 and we are increasing our call support capacity to best serve this community of riders.

• "Don't leave paratransit riders behind." Current riders outside the new zone keep their service through Extended Access.

How It's Going

A change this big isn't always perfect on day one. Some riders have told us about longer trips with new transfers, last buses that leave earlier than expected, and longer microtransit waits.

We are actively evaluating and addressing each concern in order to create the better transit system we promised to all Mobilians. Our team is out at key stops helping riders plan trips and set up the app and we want to hear your specific feedback to improve the system.

We will update you here on the ways we are responding to your feedback and the changes being made to make this system the best it can be.

Tell Us How Your Commute Is Going

Your feedback built this network, and it will keep shaping it. Tell us about your trip in the by emailing support@secondlinetransit.com, or find us at an upcoming event.

Download the Second Line Transit app.

Plan a trip, book microtransit and paratransit rides, track your vehicle in real time, and pay from your phone.

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