Monday – Friday
5:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
5:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday
6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- 1801 Morris Avenue, Birmingham AL 35203
Here are answers to questions riders ask most about MAX Transit. Don't see your question? Search our site or send us a message through the feedback form.
MAX (Metro Area Express) is the bus system operated by BJCTA (Birmingham‐Jefferson County Transit Authority). It provides fixed-route bus service, the bus rapid transit system (Birmingham Xpress), microtransit (MAX On-demand), and paratransit service.
⦿ The service area includes Birmingham, Bessemer, Center Point, Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Tarrant, and other parts of Jefferson County.
⦿ MAX On-demand zones cover areas not regularly served by fixed routes.
⦿ Use the routes & schedules page on the MAX Transit website.
⦿ Call Customer Service at (205) 521-0101 for help.
o The new MAX Connect mobile app allows planning, tracking, and feedback.
⦿ Buses run six days a week (Monday through Saturday).
⦿ There is no service on Sundays.
⦿ Yes. MAX Transit does not operate on the following holidays:
⦿ Call +1 (205) 521-0101 to request that a printed schedule be mailed to you.
⦿ Cancellation notices or delays are posted as banners on the MAX Transit website.
⦿ You can also check via the MAX Connect mobile app or by calling Customer Service at (205) 521-0101.
⦿ Service is limited to defined operating hours (not 24/7).
⦿ Check specific route schedules for first and last buses.
⦿ MAX On-Demand is a van service (wheelchair accessible available) that provides rides within microtransit zones for areas not served by fixed route.
⦿ Riders can use the MAX Connect mobile app or call +1 (205) 521-0101 for booking.
⦿ Currently zones restrict pick-up and drop-off within the same zone (no cross-zone trips), except for Central Station ↔ Airport.
The standard fare for fixed-route service is $1.50 per trip. Please visit the Fares page for a full listing of current MAX Transit fares and passes.
⦿ Seniors (age 65 and over) qualify for half fare.
⦿ Paratransit / VIP services are available for qualifying individuals who cannot use fixed route service.
⦿ Passengers must have valid fare media before boarding.
⦿ No refunds are offered for purchased fares, passes, or tickets—sales are final.
⦿ Please visit the Fares page for a listing of Methods of Payment
There are a few instances where you might see a pre-authorization charge on your account. Any time a new credit card is added to the app, a $1 hold is placed on the card to ensure it is valid and has at least $1.
Additionally, when a ride is booked, a hold will be placed on the payment method for the entire amount of the initial ride if it is expected to be more than $15 to ensure the charge goes through at the end of the ride. However, a hold is not a charge. This charge will remain pending and should disappear from your account or statement within 3-5 business days depending on the policies of the rider's bank/financial institution.
⦿ Report immediately; lost passes may not be replaced” or process for reissuing.
Paratransit is a shared-ride, door-to-door service for riders who are unable to use fixed route buses due to disability, mobility limitations, or other qualifying conditions.
⦿ Call (205) 521-0101 for eligibility, requirements, and applications.
⦿ Download the application from the Paratransit page on the website.
Include the required lead time, e.g. 24 hours, 48 hours, as per BJCTA policy.
⦿ Buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps.
⦿ Buses can “kneel” to curb level to facilitate boarding.
⦿ Folding strollers are permitted (must be folded on board).
⦿ Yes. Bicycles may be placed on the rack in front of the bus at no extra charge.
⦿ Motorized bikes, scooters, mopeds, or battery-powered vehicles are not allowed.
⦿ Tandem bicycles are not permitted.
Detailed instructions can be found here.
⦿ Small bags are allowed, but they must not occupy seats or block aisles.
⦿ Folding strollers must be folded, not block aisles.
⦿ Large items, commercial carts, etc., are not allowed unless they collapse.
⦿ Visit for full bag policy
⦿ Open food and beverage containers are not allowed, unless they are resealable.
⦿ Smoking, vaping, or use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited.
⦿ Visit for rider code of conduct.
⦿ Behaviors prohibited include: spitting, littering, loud/disruptive noise, harassment of others, soliciting without permission, graffiti or damage, etc.
⦿ Animals (other than service/guide animals) are generally not allowed.
⦿ Weapons, explosives, dangerous materials are prohibited.
⦿ Individuals violating the code may be expelled temporarily or long term.
Security or safety personnel may ask you to leave or expel you for 24 hours; refusal can result in arrest for trespass.
⦿ Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before scheduled time; buses will not wait after pulling away.
⦿ Use handrails when boarding or descending.
⦿ Ring the bell one block before your stop to allow driver time to stop safely.
⦿ Do not block aisles with legs, bags, or other items.
⦿ Let passengers exit before boarding.
⦿ Cross streets only at crosswalks and obey traffic signals; do not cross in front of the bus.
⦿ Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded conditions.
⦿ The BJCTA Safety & Security Department investigates incidents involving safety, harassment, or misconduct.
⦿ Operators and staff are trained in safety protocol and pre-trip inspections.
⦿ The Director of Safety & Security heads the department.
⦿ Local law enforcement or emergency responders may be engaged as needed.
⦿ MAX periodically adjusts routes and headways to improve efficiency, reliability, and meet rider demand.
⦿ As part of the 70/30 plan, some routes have been eliminated or restructured; riders are urged to check updated schedules.
⦿ Use the feedback/contact form on the MAX Transit website.
⦿ You may also call Customer Service at (205) 521-0101.
⦿ Yes, the MAX Connect mobile app is available for download on Google Play and the Apple Store.
⦿ The MAX Connect app allows trip planning, tracking, trip history, and feedback/rating for drivers.
⦿ The MAX On-Demand eastern zone includes connectivity to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport for some services.
⦿ MAX On-Demand has a dedicated ‘park and ride’ location for Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport at Central Station.
⦿ MAX is funded through federal funds, local funding, and contributions from municipalities.
⦿ BJCTA currently does not receive dedicated state funding.
⦿ Yes — via the MAX Connect mobile app.
⦿ MAX averages approximately 3 million riders per year.