In July 2000, the voters of Clayton County approved the idea of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners providing a bus transportation system.

That December, the Board unanimously agreed to proceed, and on February 14, 2001 the Clayton County Board of Commissioners entered into a contract for the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) to manage a local bus system for Clayton County, linking bus routes to the MARTA, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and major commercial and academic centers in the County.

In April 2001, the GRTA Board of Directors agreed to purchase the first 12 buses. The 43-seat clean fuel buses are powered by compressed natural gas.

Bus Service Proposal - At full service, GRTA will provide buses on three local routes that connect to the MARTA rail system: routes connecting to MARTA at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The service will be implemented in phases, initially with two routes and 12 buses. At full implementation, GRTA will operate about 30 clean fuel buses. In addition, lift-equipped paratransit vehicles will provide service to the elderly and disabled within ¾ mile of the bus routes, upon request.

Two initial routes began October 1st with one additional route becoming operational February 2003. Approximately 54,000 people live within a quarter mile of both routes and more than 50,000 jobs are located within the corridors.

Major Areas Served - Jonesboro, Morrow, Forest Park, Lake City, Riverdale and activity centers such as Southlake Mall, Clayton College and State University, Southern Regional Medical Center, Fort Gillem and the Clayton County Justice Center.

Budget - The initial three-year estimated budget, including startup capital and operating costs, totals $30.7 million with 80 percent of the funding coming from Federal sources, 10 percent from the state and 10 percent from Clayton County from non-property tax funds.

Fares and Frequencies of Service - The final route alignments, fare schedule, bus times, location of bus shelters and other facilities will be determined by Clayton County and GRTA.

July 2001 - GRTA signed contract with MARTA to provide operating personnel and facilities for the Clayton County bus system.

August 2001 - Resolution 2001-79 passed by Clayton County Commissioners naming the new Clayton County Transportation System the "C-TRAN" system (Clayton Transit).

October 2001 - Route 501 and Route 503 became operational.

February 2003 - Route 504 became operational.