James March-April 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 90
Public transit also provides a safer
alternative to personal vehicles, with
significantly fewer accidents per year.
For those managing tight budgets,
MARTA offers an economical option
compared to rising gas prices and
increasing auto insurance premiums,
which surged by 26 percent in 2023.
THE NEXT GENERATION
MARTA is already delivering on
its promise to modernize and expand
for the future. Our system is undergoing the largest transformation since
its founding. This year, we will roll out
new, state-of-the-art railcars to deliver
a world-class experience to our riders.
We will unveil a redesigned NextGen
bus network with service to match
the rapidly growing and shifting
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population trends in the Metro area.
We are in the process of a $1 billion
station rehabilitation program, with
successful renovation projects at Airport, Brookhaven, and Indian Creek
Stations completed— and more on
the way. We are also developing advanced faregates and enhanced tapto-pay capabilities, making commutes
on MARTA faster and more seamless.
Five Points Station— the hub of our
system located in the heart of downtown— is benefitting from this station
rehabilitation program and soon will
undergo a $250 million overhaul. This
project was possible thanks in part to
investments from our state and federal
leaders, who have been instrumental
partners toward improving transit
across our region.
Our expansion efforts are equally
ambitious. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
lines will increase access to underserved areas, and innovative partnerships with the Georgia Department of
Transportation will integrate transit
into new express lanes along I-285
and Georgia 400, extending MARTA’s
reach and impact. Construction on
MARTA Rapid Summerhill, the first bus
rapid transit in the region, is well underway, and Rapid routes are planned
along the Clifton Corridor, Campbellton Road and in Clayton County.
A FUTURE WORTH BUILDING
As Atlanta’s population continues
to grow, transit will become even more
critical to our shared success. MARTA is not just keeping pace with this
growth; we’re preparing for it every
day, rising to the occasion to ensure
that transportation remains a cornerstone of our region’s economy, sustainability, and quality of life.
The future of Metro Atlanta
depends on a robust, reliable transit
system. At MARTA, we’re building that
future today.
Collie Greenwood, a 45-year transit veteran, is the
general manager and CEO of MARTA.
