The Neighborhood More MARTA

Transit agency releases timeline for future projects

By Collin Kelley

The MARTA Board of Directors unanimously approved a sequencing timeline for upcoming transit projects at its June 13 meeting.

This partnership between MARTA and the City of Atlanta kicks off the largest investment in public transit since MARTA’s inception 40 years ago, including almost $1.3 billion for direct connectivity to and around the Atlanta BeltLine. The program of projects introduces new modes to the MARTA system, with 14 new miles of bus rapid transit (BRT), 22 miles of arterial rapid transit (ART); and 29 new miles of light rail service.

“This program is a game changer,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker in a media statement.

“We will have more and better transit options to get to job centers, colleges and universities, hospitals, parks and neighborhoods across Atlanta. With our focus now on the projects instead of the types of transit, we are ready to begin implementing the plan for enhanced service.”

BeltLine advocates are unhappy with the timeline, since full light rail service planned for the 22-mile loop isn’t in the cards until the 2040s. However, BeltLine officials accentuated the positive in a media statement on the timeline.