MAX Transit Enhances Route 90 Schedule for More Reliable, Predictable Service

Updated weekday and Saturday service helps riders better plan trips to key Birmingham and Homewood destinations.

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Beginning Monday, November 9, MAX Transit will introduce an updated Route 90 Magic City Connector schedule designed to give riders a more reliable, predictable travel experience.

Route 90 will operate every 35 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, aligning service more closely with current running times and helping riders plan their trips with greater confidence.

“Riders deserve service they can count on,” said Amanda Hare, Director of Marketing & Communications at MAX Transit. “This schedule update is designed to make Route 90 more dependable and easier to plan around while continuing to connect people with important destinations across Birmingham and Homewood.”

Route 90, also known as the Magic City Connector, connects riders to North Birmingham Library, 27th Street North and 31st Avenue North, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Central Station, Five Points South and Downtown Homewood.

Riders may also connect between Route 90 and MAX On-Demand at 27th Street North and 31st Avenue North. MAX On-Demand service is complimentary for that connection only.

Riders are encouraged to review the updated schedule before traveling on or after November 9 and arrive at their stop a few minutes early. Updated route information will be available at maxtransit.org/routes and through the MAX Connect mobile app.

For trip-planning assistance, contact MAX Customer Service at 205.521.0101.

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The post MAX Transit Continues Free Rides to the Polls Initiative for Third Consecutive Year appeared first on MAX Transit.

Passengers can utilize fixed-route buses, the Magic City Connector, or the Birmingham Xpress to reach their designated polling places without any fare. This initiative aims to eliminate transportation barriers and encourage civic engagement among residents of Birmingham and Jefferson County.

“We know that reliable transportation plays an important role in civic participation,” said Amanda Hare, Director of Marketing & Communications at MAX Transit. “By offering complimentary rides on Election Day once again, we are helping ensure that residents across our community have accessible transportation options as they head to the polls to make their voices heard.”

For more information about routes and schedules, please visit the BJCTA website at maxtransit.org or contact their customer service at 205.521.0101.

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The on-board wellness experience will once again take place from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. along the Central Station to Woodlawn Birmingham Express (BRT) route, meeting riders where they are with accessible mental wellness resources.

Originally introduced during the holiday season, Mindful Mondays was designed to create space for reflection and stress management in a familiar, everyday setting. As the series continues, BJCTA remains committed to normalizing conversations around mental health while integrating wellness into the rider experience.

During the session, licensed therapist Dana “Woo” Woodruff of Heal on Wheelz will:

1. Lead guided breathing and grounding exercises
2. Share practical tools for managing daily stress and emotional fatigue
3. Offer supportive, informal engagement with riders
4. Promote mental wellness in a welcoming, judgment-free environment

“Public transit is more than a mode of transportation—it’s a touchpoint for connection, care, and community,” said Amanda Hare, Director of Marketing & Communications for BJCTA. “Continuing Mindful Mondays allows us to meet our riders in meaningful ways, supporting not just where they’re going, but how they’re feeling along the way.”

This initiative reflects BJCTA’s broader commitment to enhancing the rider experience through thoughtful, community-centered programming that prioritizes both access and well-being.

The post BJCTA’s MAX Foundation Continues “Mindful Mondays” Wellness Series in Partnership with Heal on Wheelz appeared first on MAX Transit.

“Amanda brings a rare combination of strategic insight and storytelling excellence,” said Charlotte Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of BJCTA. “Her ability to shape narratives, lead high-impact campaigns, and align communications with our long-term vision has been key to elevating the MAX Transit brand and strengthening our connection to the community.”

As Director of Marketing & Communications, Hare will oversee brand strategy, public relations, digital engagement, community partnerships, crisis communications, and strategic marketing initiatives that support MAX Transit’s service expansion, infrastructure development, and rider experience improvements.

“I’m honored to continue serving MAX Transit in this expanded capacity,” said Hare. “Public transportation is about connection, to opportunity, to community, and to economic growth. I look forward to building on the strong foundation we’ve created as we move Transit on the Grow into the next phase.”

Hare brings over twelve years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, and brand development. She is actively engaged in industry leadership initiatives and community partnerships that position MAX Transit as a forward-thinking, rider-centered transit authority.

For more information about MAX Transit, visit www.maxtransit.org.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) is proud to announce that Amanda Hare, Marketing & Communications Manager for BJCTA, has been selected for the second consecutive year to speak at the 2026 (American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience (MCCX) Conference.

Amanda will participate in a panel discussion focused on the importance of effectively communicating new transit services and service changes to support community adoption and operational success. She will share insights from BJCTA’s launch of MAX On-Demand, highlighting how rider education and clear communication helped connect customers to BJCTA’s fixed-route system.

The session will be moderated by Armando Reyes of EMBARK (Oklahoma Transit) and will explore strategies for managing public response, aligning internal teams, and applying lessons learned to future service initiatives.

“Clear communication is essential to helping riders understand how new services fit into their daily lives,” said Hare. “Our goal with MAX On-Demand was to educate riders on when and how to use the service so it strengthens, not replaces, our fixed-route network.”

BJCTA is proud to represent Birmingham and Jefferson County on a national stage and contribute to conversations that advance rider-focused transit solutions.

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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.

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Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA)/MAX Transit is proud to announce the unveiling of its 2025 Black History Month bus wrap, continuing its annual tradition of honoring African American achievements and contributions to society.

This year’s bus wrap design showcases the Birmingham Business Alliance’s ‘Birmingham Has More’ campaign. The 2025 Black History Month bus wrap aligns perfectly with the Birmingham Business Alliance’s “Birmingham Has More” campaign, showcasing the city’s commitment to diversity, culture, and community engagement. This collaboration highlights Birmingham’s rich African American heritage and ongoing contributions, reinforcing the message that Birmingham has more.

“By featuring prominent African American figures and historical moments on public transportation, MAX Transit is actively contributing to the BBA’s campaign’s goal of fostering a shared sense of identity and purpose in the Greater Birmingham Region” states BJCTA marketing & communications manager, Amanda Hare. “This initiative not only celebrates the city’s diverse culture but also demonstrates how local organisations are working together to continue to make Birmingham a better place every day because Birmingham certainly has more stories to tell.”

The specially wrapped bus will operate on various routes throughout February, offering riders and passersby an opportunity to engage with this mobile exhibit.

For more information about the 2025 Black History Month bus wrap and related events, please visit maxtransit.org.

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Summary
Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Amanda Hare will be speaking at the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) upcoming Marketing, Communication and Customer Experience workshop.  

Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Amanda Hare will be speaking at the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) upcoming Marketing, Communication and Customer Experience workshop.  

Hare and Foster will be among other accomplished professionals from leading metropolitan transit systems all over the nation including Tacoma, Washington, Ft. Worth, Texas and San Bernadino, California. 

Panellists will delve into how sophisticated advertising strategies can foster community empowerment and create meaningful connections between transit systems and their diverse urban populations.  

“We’re thrilled to showcase MAX Transit’s innovative approaches at this national forum. This opportunity allows us to not only share Birmingham and Jefferson County’s transit vision but also learn and gain valuable insight from industry leaders across the country,” Amanda Hare stated about the upcoming APTA workshop. 

This workshop, held in Long Beach, California on February 26 at 8:30 a.m., represents a significant opportunity for transit professionals to gain cutting-edge insights into modern transportation marketing strategies. 

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Birmingham, AL – October 30, 2024 – MAX Transit is excited to announce its free bus service for the upcoming Election Day on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This service will provide convenient transportation for riders the entire day on fixed route, the Magic City Connector and the Birmingham Xpress (BRT).

Passengers can utilize fixed-route buses, the Magic City Connector, or the Birmingham Xpress to reach their designated polling places without any fare. This complimentary service includes paratransit but excludes MAX On-Demand, BJCTA’s micro transit service. This initiative aims to eliminate transportation barriers and encourage civic engagement among residents of Birmingham and Jefferson County.

“We believe that access to transportation should never be a barrier to exercising one’s right to vote,” said Amanda Hare, Marketing & Communications Manager. “By offering free rides on Election Day, we hope to make it easier for our community members to make their voices heard.” For more information about routes and schedules, please visit the BJCTA website at maxtransit.org or contact their customer service at 205.521.0101.

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