Magic City Classic Tailgate Festival
Headed to the Magic City Classic Tailgate Festival on Thursday, October 23 at Birmingham Race Course?

MAX Transit simplifies your journey by helping you bypass congested traffic, allowing for a comfortable and safe trip to the festival. Here’s what you should know about your transit options.

What day and time will the event be held? The Magic City Tailgate Festival will be held on October 23rd at the Birmingham Racecourse. Address 1000 John Rogers Drive. Birmingham Al, 35235. Gates open at 3:00 PM. Pre-show is at 5:00 PM and showtime is at 6:00 PM. 

How can I get to the shuttle location? We encourage concert goers to utilize the Max Transit Birmingham Express or Magic City Connector to connect to Central Station. The shuttles will be in the lot next to Central Station. 

Where can I catch the Birmingham Express and Magic City Connector? You can catch the Birmingham Xpress at our Crossplex Transit Center located across the street from the Crossplex and next door to the Five Points West Library. You can also catch the Bham Xpress at the Woodlawn Transit Center located across from Woodlawn High School.   You can catch the Magic City Connector on 20th street. It goes up and down 20th street. All the way from the Sheraton Hotel to the Homewood SoHo District. It connects to Central Station.  

Will the Birmingham Express and Magic City Connector be in operation after the event? Yes, the Birmingham Xpress and Magic City Connector will be in service after the event.   

Where should I park to catch the shuttle if I drive? The shuttles, sponsored by goBHAM, will be parked at 1825 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203. These shuttles will transport you to the racecourse. There is no set parking. However, there are parking lots and street parking close by. You may utilize the Birmingham Express or Magic City Connector to connect to Central Station. The shuttles will be located in the lot next to Central Station.  

What time should I arrive for the shuttle? What time will shuttles depart to return after the concert? The first departure is at 2:00 PM. The shuttle will continue to take concert goers to the event and the last departure time headed to the concert is at 7:00 PM. Buses will start bringing people back starting at 9:30 PM until 10:30 PM. 

Will security be present in the parking area while I’m at the concert? Security will be on hand at Central Station. 

How will I recognize the goBHM shuttles? There will be plenty of signage leading up to Central Station. You will know you have arrived once you see 7 charter buses parked on Morris Avenue. 

Do I need to pay or show ID to ride the Magic City Connector or Birmingham Xpress? No. You do not have to show ID or pay to ride the Birmingham Xpress or Magic City Connector.  

Do I need to pay or show ID to ride the shuttle? To ride the shuttle, all you need is a wristband. When you arrive, greeters will meet you and walk you through the process of getting a wristband. 

How can I contact customer service? You can reach out to our Customer Experience team at 205-521-0101 or email us at info@bjcta.org.
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The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) is notifying riders of upcoming Homewood transit service changes that will take effect on October 27, 2025, due to budget reductions in the City of Homewood’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget. 

These adjustments are a direct result of local funding levels and were not made internally by BJCTA. 

“We understand how important access to reliable transit is for the people we serve,” said Charlotte Shaw, CEO and Executive Director of BJCTA. “These adjustments are not choices we wanted to make but are necessary due to budget reductions. BJCTA will continue to advocate for strong transit solutions that meet the needs of Homewood residents and the broader region.” 

Why This Change Is Happening 

The impacted Homewood bus route was launched in 2023 at the request of City of Homewood leadership, who sought to expand public transportation options for local residents. Since then, MAX Transit has proudly operated the service, helping riders connect to jobs, schools, healthcare and other key destinations throughout Jefferson County. 

As part of BJCTA’s 70/30 Mobility Plan, the Authority also proposed bringing MAX On-Demand to Homewood, a flexible, app-based transportation service that has improved mobility in other cities like Mountain Brook and Hoover. While Homewood declined this option at the time, MAX On-Demand could still provide significant benefits for local riders if implemented in the future. 

BJCTA’s Ongoing Commitment to Riders 

At BJCTA, we believe that public transit is more than a service. It’s a lifeline. It connects people to opportunity, strengthens communities, and enhances regional mobility. Despite current funding challenges, BJCTA remains fully committed to its mission of providing reliable, equitable transit service across Jefferson County. Over the coming months, BJCTA will launch a public awareness campaign to help Homewood riders prepare for the upcoming service changes. The campaign will:
– Notify riders about route adjustments and service reductions
– Provide alternative travel options using other MAX Transit routes
– Share information on how to plan trips and access nearby services 

Looking Ahead 

BJCTA’s vision is to create a stronger, more connected region through sustainable and accessible transportation. Even when faced with budget constraints, the Authority continues to explore ways to expand mobility, from innovative options like MAX On-Demand to ongoing improvements across traditional routes. Riders are encouraged to stay updated by visiting maxtransit.org or following MAX Transit on social media for the latest service alerts and rider information.
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Here’s what’s changing:

  • Route 3: Stops are being relocated, and route times will be adjusted.
  • Route 5: Stops are being relocated, and route times will be adjusted.
  • Route 6: Stops are being relocated, and route times will be adjusted.
  • Route 17: Stops are being relocated.
  • Route 23: Stops are being relocated, route times will be adjusted, timepoints are being removed, and the end of line is changing.
  • Route 25: Timepoints will be removed.
  • Route 40: Stops are being relocated, and route times will be adjusted.
  • Route 45: Time on the schedule will be adjusted.
  • Route 280: Time on the schedule will be adjusted, and timepoints will be removed.
 
For additional information on updated schedules please visit:
Maxtransit.org/routes
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Birmingham, AL – June 23, 2025 – The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) announces that MAX Transit will operate its regular fixed-route, Birmingham Xpress (BX), and Magic City Connector (MCC) services throughout the duration of the 2025 World Police & Fire Games, taking place from June 27 to July 6, 2025.

BJCTA recognizes the importance of reliable public transportation as Birmingham welcomes more than 8,500 athletes and thousands of visitors from over 70 countries for this prestigious international event. All MAX Transit services—including fixed-route buses, BX rapid transit, and the Magic City Connector—will maintain their standard schedules, ensuring residents, athletes, and visitors have convenient access to venues, hotels, and city attractions.

Riders are encouraged to download the MyStop app for real-time bus tracking, trip planning, and service alerts. For more information about routes and schedules, visit the MAX Transit website or contact customer service at 205.521.0101.

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