MAX Transit is now managing Birmingham On-Demand services in Birmingham. As part of this transition, a few updates have been made:

Zone Boundaries
Lakeview and Avondale will no longer be part of the Birmingham On-Demand service area.
Midfield and Fairfield remain in the Downtown Zone.
Riders cannot cross the boundary between Downtown and Midfield/Fairfield.  Trips from Midfield/Fairfield are only allowed to the CrossPlex Transit Center BRT station.
Avondale and Lakeview Birmingham On-Demand Map
Service Hours
Weekdays (Monday – Friday): 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Trip Distance Cap
Maximum trip distance reduced from 6 miles to 3.5 miles

Effective January 12, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What changes are being made to MAX On-Demand?
A: Updates include zone boundary adjustments, new weekday service hours (6 AM–7 PM), and a reduced trip cap of 3.5 miles.

Q: Which areas are affected by the zone changes?
A: Lakeview will no longer be served. Midfield and Fairfield will remain in the Downtown zone, but riders can no longer cross between zones except when traveling to the Downtown BRT stop.

Q: Is Saturday service still available?
A: Saturday service (10 AM–7 PM) will no longer be available beginning January 12, 2026.

Q: Why is the trip cap being reduced to 3.5 miles?
A: Shorter trip limits increase availability, reduce wait times, and improve operational efficiency.

Q: Are these changes related to Birmingham On-Demand?
A: No. Birmingham On-Demand is a separate service funded by the City of Birmingham. MAX Transit only manages the contract. No rider-facing changes are being made to Birmingham On-Demand.

To learn more about MAX On-Demand, visit here.

0

Image with text that says Mindful Monday - Monday, November 17


The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) is launching a new wellness initiative aimed at helping riders manage stress during the busy holiday season. In partnership with Heal on Wheelz, a local nonprofit dedicated to bringing mental wellness resources directly into the community, MAX Transit will host two “Mindful Mondays” sessions on board a regularly scheduled MAX Transit route.

The on-board wellness experience will take place on Monday, November 17 and Monday, December 8, beginning at 8:00 a.m., and ending at 11:00 a.m on the Central Station to Woodlawn Birmingham Express (BRT) route.

As part of BJCTA’s MAX Foundation’s continued effort to support the whole well-being of its riders, the partnership is designed to gently introduce mental wellness practices in a welcoming and approachable environment. Given that therapy and mental health conversations still carry stigma in some communities, these sessions aim to create a safe, accessible space for riders to learn about stress relief techniques without pressure or judgment.

During the ride, licensed therapist, Dana “Woo” Woodruff from Heal on Wheelz will:

– Guide riders through simple breathing and grounding exercises
– Share practical tips for managing holiday-related stress
– Engage in light, supportive conversations to help riders begin their week feeling centered
– Encourage mental wellness awareness in a comfortable, no-pressure setting

“Public transit connects people to opportunity, and this partnership helps us connect riders to something just as important—peace of mind,” said Amanda Hare, Marketing & Communications Manager of BJCTA. “We know the holidays can be stressful, and we want to support our community in every way we can, including emotionally.”

“Mindful Mondays” aligns with BJCTA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the rider experience and providing holistic support to the communities it serves.

0

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.

Download FAQs here

 

0