ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A new shuttle service could soon provide Albany residents with an affordable alternative to driving or flying to Atlanta’s airport.

VIP Express, a 29-seat shuttle service, would transport passengers between Albany and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for $35 one-way or $70 round trip.

Marsha Meadows, owner of VIP Express and part of the Meadows Venture Group family company, said the idea came from hearing repeated complaints about transportation options to Atlanta.

“I’ve had people fly into Atlanta and ask, ‘How are we going to get to Albany?’ I’d say, ‘Rent a car,’” Meadows said. “When we thought about a shuttle service, I always saw them running from Columbus — but never to Albany and back. This one will leave Albany in the mornings and return in the evenings.”

The air-conditioned shuttle would include room for luggage and an onboard TV. Meadows said the pricing is designed to be competitive with other transportation options.

“We were looking at the price of Greyhound, and they are about $40, so we wanted to make it affordable in case you have several people traveling with you,” Meadows said. “We don’t have to operate such a big bus like Greyhound so the cost isn’t that high for us. So we thought we would pass those savings on to the people of Albany.”

VIP Express is negotiating an agreement with the City of Albany to operate the shuttle from the downtown Transportation Center. The City Commission will vote in an upcoming meeting on whether to authorize the partnership.

Thomas Lunsfred, a resident, said the service addresses a common need.

“People are impatient these days, so everybody is trying to hurry up and get to where they are trying to go,” Lunsfred said.

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