MARTA says no fare increase in 2017

MARTA announced there will no fare increase in 2017.

The transit system proposed a budget of $453.3 million for 2017 on Wednesday. The budget, scheduled to be adopted June 2, says there will be no increase in base fare and other fare rates.

MARTA last increased its fare in 2011. Fare for a single trip rose from $2 to $2.50 and a cost for a monthly pass rose from $52.50 to $95.

The 2017 budget also includes completing the Clayton County bus service, adding Wi-Fi to more buses and rail stations and purchasing new buses.

MARTA first experimented with Wi-Fi on select bus routes in mid-2015. The transit authority says a constract will provide all 38 train stations with cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi access by July 2018.

The transit authority will hold public hearings on the budget and proposed bus service changes (times and locations listed below). Changes for the following bus service routes will be implemented on August 6:

• Route 3: Martin Luther King Jr. Drive/Auburn Avenue
• Route 4: Thomasville/Moreland Avenue/MTC
• Route 13: Fair Street/Mozley Park
• Route 15: Candler Road/South DeKalb
• Route 51: Joseph E. Boone
• Route 117: Rockbridge Road/Panola Road
• Route 125: Clarkston/Northlake
• Route 181: Buffington Road/South Fulton Park and Ride
• Route 191: Justice Center/Hartsfield International

MARTA estimates over 440,000 riders will use their transit services per day in 2017 and projects a passenger revenue of $143.4 million.

MARTA public hearing schedule

Monday, May 16

Fulton County Government Center

141 Pryor St., Atlanta, Ga. 30303

• 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Community Engagement
• 7 p.m. Hearing

Clayton County Board of Commissioners board room

112 Smith St., Jonesboro, Ga. 30236

• 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Community Engagement
• 7 p.m. Hearing

Thursday, May 19