Augusta Transit Adjusts Routes and Schedules for Masters Week Traffic

Lane closures on Washington Road create delays for bus riders during the tournament.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the grand scale and transportation challenges of the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, with sweeping airbrushed gradients, towering forced perspectives, and sleek, streamlined forms.As Augusta prepares to host the Masters golf tournament, the city's public transit system faces the daunting task of moving thousands of spectators and workers through congested streets.Augusta Today

Augusta Transit is adjusting bus routes and schedules due to heavy traffic and lane closures on Washington Road during Masters week. The changes are causing delays and inconvenience for many riders, including workers who rely on the buses to get to their jobs at hotels and other businesses supporting the tournament.

Why it matters

The Masters golf tournament is a major economic driver for Augusta, but the influx of visitors and traffic creates challenges for the city's public transit system. Ensuring reliable bus service is crucial for workers who don't have their own transportation to get to their jobs supporting the event.

The details

Augusta Transit is modifying routes and schedules to accommodate the traffic management plan for the Masters. This includes lane closures on Washington Road that are causing delays for bus riders. Combined with budget cuts, the congestion has led to longer wait times and less frequent service on some routes. Some riders are postponing errands and grocery trips until after the tournament.

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The players

Maurice Sturgis

A rider of the Augusta Transit bus system who says the tournament traffic creates challenges even beyond the bus ride.

Dr. Oliver Page

The deputy director of Augusta Transit, who says the traffic management for the Masters affects bus service and that the agency is trying to reduce negative impacts on riders.

Augusta Transit

The public transportation system in Augusta, Georgia that is adjusting routes and schedules to accommodate Masters week traffic.

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What they’re saying

“The traffic is crazy. Like even just getting out when you get off the bus, walking through it is even crazy.”

— Maurice Sturgis, Rider

“To allow the Masters traffic to come in and out easily and efficiently, it impacts Augusta Transit.”

— Dr. Oliver Page, Deputy Director, Augusta Transit

“It would be more convenient if it was like more buses on the route, like you won't have to wait so long. When I was on the bus today, it usually be packed, but now it's not even as many people.”

— Maurice Sturgis, Rider

What’s next

Augusta Transit is encouraging commuters to plan for extra travel time during Masters week to account for the route and schedule changes.

The takeaway

The influx of visitors and traffic for the Masters golf tournament creates significant challenges for Augusta's public transit system, forcing the agency to adjust routes and schedules. This impacts workers who rely on the buses to get to their jobs supporting the event, highlighting the need for reliable transportation options during major events.