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
Service Hours
1. Weekdays (Monday – Friday): 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Trip Distance Cap
1. 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.