MARTA is in the midst of planning and executing its largest system and service expansion in well over two decades. Our mission is simple: connecting people and creating communities.
Thanks to improved agency management and cost controls, our financial house is in order, and we have hundreds of millions in operating reserves. MARTA, the City of Atlanta and private development partners are preparing for the transition and operation of the Atlanta Streetcar, developing and completing simultaneous construction on multiple transit oriented developments as well as completing a five-year program upgrading and replacing our entire railcar fleet. We will upgrade and replace our bus rolling stock, and through a planned program of work, renovate existing rail stations, offering new vending operations and other amenities such as Wi-Fi service at all MARTA rail stations, as well as on our trains and buses.
But there is more to come. Several years ago, the city of Atlanta, and Clayton County decided to invest in expanding their MARTA footprint. This program, called More MARTA, has already increased bus service routes and hours of service throughout both Atlanta and Clayton. Our next step is to work with the public and key stakeholders this summer to build support for their recommended transit expansion project list. Light rail transit along the Beltline, Campbellton Road and Clifton Corridor, bus rapid transit corridors serving the Summerhill, Northside Drive and North Avenue/Donald L. Hollowell Parkway areas are each key projects recommended in the More MARTA program list. In Clayton Country, the More MARTA program is focused on developing a commuter rail corridor connecting Clayton with existing MARTA rail lines. The More MARTA program will ultimately leverage $2.5 billion of local funds expanding MARTA’s service offerings and footprint.
Beyond the city of Atlanta and Clayton County, major opportunities are in front of our entire region to expand the transit footprint. We recognize and appreciate the leadership and support the state is providing around regional transit expansion. Georgia House Bill 930 was signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal and provides a clear framework for regional transit expansion in the 13 metro Atlanta counties. The legislation crafted and supported by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, House Speaker David Ralston and both chambers’ transportation committee chairs, Rep. Kevin Tanner and Sen. Brandon Beach should lead to significant transit investment across the 13-county metro region.
Fulton County recently completed its county-wide transit plan, DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties are actively studying how transit investment would be best made within their jurisdictions. HB930 will provide the strong regional framework to ensure a coordinated, seamless and unified approach to transit as the metro Atlanta region continues to grow, as well as a funding mechanism via local sales tax referendums to invest in transit in each individual community.
As with MARTA’s original referendum and system development, we will need the support and voices of community leaders, transit supporters and advocates during these discussions about project prioritization and local referendums to expand transit. MARTA stands ready to be a strong regional partner and has demonstrated its willingness, ability and flexibility to partner across the region.
Today, we make over 400,000 passenger trips each day and remain the safest, most economical mode of transportation in the region. We look forward to delivering the same routine excellence and stand ready to listen as communities come together to make choices about their transportation future.
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