Getting around Ellijay, Georgia, can mean walking around the central area, arranging a ride with Mountain Area Transportation System (MATS), or driving. Ellijay Inn - Downtown Ellijay is about a two-minute walk from the city centre, making downtown a practical starting point for local plans.
- Public transportation: MATS serves Gilmer and four other counties through demand-response trips.
- Booking: MATS asks passengers to request rides by phone 24 hours ahead.
- Fare: One-way fares are $2 for trips up to 10 miles and $3 for longer trips.
What is walkable in central Ellijay?
For plans focused on downtown, walking can cover the central portion of your day; the downtown Ellijay walking guide offers a closer look at that area.
How do you plan a trip to Bagley Park?
Plan a Bagley Park visit by confirming how you will get there, since no walking time or route to the park is established here. The Bagley Park visitor guide focuses on the destination.
If you are considering MATS, treat it as a booked ride rather than a fixed-route bus: passengers request trips to their chosen destinations. Contact the service to check whether your pickup and destination can be accommodated.
What should you know about driving around Ellijay?
Driving gives you another way to plan local journeys, but local details do not specify road conditions, journey times or parking availability. Gilmer County identifies the Broad Street Parking Lot as a downtown location in Ellijay, GA 30540; confirm whether it suits your plans before relying on it.
For trips that start or end outside the central area, allow time to confirm the route and where you can park. No local driving times to Bagley Park or other destinations are established here.
How do you arrange MATS transportation?
MATS is a demand-response service in Gilmer, Gordon, Fannin, Pickens and Murray counties, with no fixed routes. You request a trip to your chosen destination instead of boarding a scheduled route.
MATS asks passengers to book by phone 24 hours in advance. Same-day service may sometimes be possible, depending on availability. When you call to book, have your name, callback number, pickup address, destination address, appointment time and day ready.
One-way fares are $2 for trips up to 10 miles and $3 for trips longer than 10 miles. MATS vehicles are equipped to aid passengers with disabilities, and accessible-format information is available on request. The Gilmer County office number is 706-276-6287, with Georgia Relay at 711 as an alternate contact. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Before you go
Check the official MATS site before you go for current booking, fare and office details. The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission gives the Mountain Area Transportation Services demand-response office address as 111 Gilmer Street, Ellijay, GA 30540, with phone number 706-276-6287; confirm the office details before visiting.
FAQs
Does Ellijay have public transportation?
MATS provides demand-response transportation in Gilmer County and four other counties. It has no fixed routes, so passengers request trips to their destinations.
How far ahead should you book a MATS ride?
MATS asks passengers to book by phone 24 hours in advance. Same-day service may sometimes be available, depending on availability.
What information should you have ready when booking?
Provide your name, callback number, pickup and destination addresses, appointment time and day.
Is there a downtown parking location in Ellijay?
Gilmer County identifies the Broad Street Parking Lot as a downtown location. The county information does not establish parking availability.