Alabama has no public transit funding, but this city has a $1.50 solution
Irondale will launch a $513,750 microtransit service to increase local mobility and connect residents to jobs, businesses and healthcare.
Mason Reed 
Starting July 1, the city of Irondale is tackling the regional transit gap with a new, on-demand microtransit pilot program. The initiative, dubbed MAX On-Demand Transit, will offer residents a reliable way to navigate the city, with vital connections to the Birmingham bus network and the Woodlawn Intermodal Center.
A $513,750 Investment in Mobility
The 15-month pilot is fully funded by a $513,750 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. According to Mayor James D. Stewart Jr., this service represents a significant step toward improving quality of life for locals.
"Transportation is about more than getting from point A to point B – it’s about connecting people to jobs, healthcare, shopping, education, and opportunity," Stewart said.
How It Works
The service will operate Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., utilizing a fleet of two vans. Residents can easily book their rides via a smartphone app or by calling. With fares set at just $1.50 per trip, it offers a budget-friendly solution for daily commuters.
Addressing a Statewide Gap
Christopher Nanni, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, noted that Alabama remains the only state in the country without dedicated public transportation funding. This lack of investment often leaves residents without reliable access to job markets.
Citing research from the Brookings Institute, Nanni highlighted that having a vehicle in the Birmingham region provides access to one hundred times more jobs within a 30-minute radius. By expanding alternative transportation options, the goal is to bolster workforce development and simplify access to essential medical appointments.
Regional Momentum
The model is already proving effective elsewhere. Across the Birmingham metro area, MAX Transit has seen ridership grow by 9% monthly over the last two years, per Charlotte Shaw, CEO of the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority. Additionally, the city of Homewood is also launching an on-demand service with MAX Transit this July.
Irondale officials decided to pull the trigger on the program after gathering input from over 535 residents. The feedback confirmed a clear demand for enhanced transit options, leading to the current partnership between the city, the Community Foundation, and MAX Transit to bring the project to life.
