James March-April 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 89
t isn’t breaking news that Metro Atlanta’s
population is booming. Recent estimates
from the Atlanta Regional Commission
predict our region will grow to 8 million
residents by 2050. With more people come
more drivers, busier roads, longer commutes and worsening congestion. For a city that consistently ranks in the top 10 for traffic— and as one of the
most challenging to navigate by car— this problem is only
going to intensify.
But with challenges come opportunities, and that’s
why MARTA is focused on investing in and building for
the future of transportation across our region. We’re committed to delivering a clean, safe and reliable transit experience for our riders, addressing Atlanta’s growth head-on
while helping ease the burden on our roads.
investments made now will
position MARTA to welcome the
world again for the 2026 FIFA World
Cup, 2028 Super Bowl, and countless
other major events to come.
Reducing Congestion, Increasing Safety
More transit riders mean fewer cars on the road.
That reduction in vehicles alleviates congestion and
makes our region’s air cleaner— a benefit for all Georgians.
The Economic Power of Transit
Every dollar invested in public transit generates
roughly $5.00 in economic returns. That’s because businesses, workers and local economies all thrive when transit connects communities. More and more, companies
looking to establish headquarters or major facilities are
looking for locations near transit, responding to employee preferences for commute flexibility. One example is
in the Sandy Springs and Dunwoody areas, where local
economic development leaders have reiterated that prospective employees consistently rank access to transit as
one of their deciding factors in the recruitment process.
MARTA’s transit infrastructure continues to play a key
role in attracting businesses to the metro area, cementing
Atlanta’s position as an economic powerhouse.
MARTA also connects Atlanta to visitors from around
the world. Our rail system provides a direct link to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest
airport in the world, giving travelers a reliable, car-free
option to reach the greater Metro area. And MARTA has
long been an important partner for major events, from
the 1996 Olympic Games to three Super Bowls, College
Football Playoff Games, and multi-night concerts. The
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