While attending the January 19th, 2017 midday listening session for the MoreMARTA program I was pleasantly surprised that MARTA is shedding it’s false image of incompetent management and poor implementation of projects. This meeting focused on projects that will be funded by the City of Atlanta’s passage of the 0.5% sales tax increase to last until 2057. The funds collected from this sales tax increase will fund transit projects within the City of Atlanta limits. The projects will range from improved bus service to infill stations to rail transit on the BeltLine.

Potential High Capacity Projects

First we will see MARTA implement it’s Fast Track Program, which will implement bus routes changes from its Comprehensive Operations Analysis, see my previous story on the COA. MARTA typically makes bus service changes 3 times a year (February, August, and December), but Fast Tracks will make the first bus service changes suggested from the COA on February 4.

2/4/2017 Fast Track Bus Changes

The February Fast Track service changes will bring Arterial Rapid Transit to Campbellton Rd and Cleveland Ave. These corridors will see bus frequencies that mirror rail service (10 min peak hour, 12 min midday, and 20 min off peak.) Northwest Atlanta will see the first implementation of the proposed Frequent Local bus service, as existing route 60 will see increased frequency.

In April we see the next Fast Track implementation, as Northside Dr will finally get bus service, in anticipation of future Bus Rapid Transit service, from West End Station to the District at Howell Mill. This route will begin as Supporting Local to build ridership for future frequent network service. It was suggested that MARTA implement similar ideas to were crosstown streetcar routes are planned, eg: North Ave/Donald Hollowell Pkwy. s/o to Cole Smith for suggesting that excellent idea.

4/15/2017 Fast Track Bus Changes

Cascade Rd and Roswell Rd will see their bus routes upgrade to Arterial Rapid Transit levels. Also, MARTA’s first 800 route (Community Circulator service) will make it’s first appearance serving Adamsville and other communities west of HE Holmes Station. Fulton Industrial Blvd and Fairburn Rd will see their routes upgrade to Frequent Local service.

Southwest Atlanta will be getting a lot of much needed attention with the Fast Track program, but starting in 2017 a study to bring high capacity transit to the area will begin. Link Southwest will look at upgrading the currently proposed ART service along Campbellton Rd to BRT and eventually bring rail transit to the corridor.

We are seeing a more data driven MARTA under Keith Parker. MARTA collects all kinds of data thru BreezeCard taps, passenger counts, etc. The phased service changes will begin in corridors (withint the city limits) with the highest ridership, instead of as a development tool (Atlanta BeltLine.) MARTA will soon offer seamless far payment system across all existing and future services. As well as mobile payment options.