COBB COUNTY, GA — A proposal to expand Cobb County’s on-demand microtransit service is drawing pushback from some residents.
During a public hearing, several residents questioned the cost and need for expanding CobbLinc Go, which currently covers a 26-mile zone in South Cobb.
“It’s not what we want. Every time I see a bus going by when I’m out, they’re empty,” resident Christine Rozman said.
Another resident argued that the money could instead be used for a voucher program.
“For a small fraction of the cost of microtransit, you could dedicate yourselves to making the voucher program viable and well run,” the resident said.
CobbLinc Go has operated for the past two years and works similarly to rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. Riders request a minivan pickup in advance instead of using a traditional fixed bus route.
Commissioners are considering extending the service for another year and expanding it into additional areas of South Cobb, as well as Kennesaw and Acworth.
Cobb Commissioner Monique Sheffield defended the service, saying county leaders also have to consider residents who rely on it.
“We often hear we’re not listening to the voices of those that do not want it, but on the other side of that coin, there are voices of those who need it,” Sheffield said.
Sheffield also pointed to the convenience offered by the service.
“People should be reminded that transportation is a mode of convenience,” Sheffield said.
Ridership across the broader CobbLinc system, which includes bus service, dropped during the pandemic but has increased over the past couple of years.
WSB Radio’s Bill Caiaccio contributed to this story.