3 min read April 2024 — In an interview with Focus:, Collie Greenwood, CEO and general manager of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), outlined the agency’s progress post-pandemic, emphasizing customer service improvements and the launch of the MARTA Rapid Summerhill line.
What have been some of the key milestones for MARTA over the past year?
There have been so many. We’re still navigating our way through the aftermath of the pandemic. We remain focused on immediate work to be done, especially when it comes to customer service, vehicle cleanliness and station operations. At the same time, MARTA has been working diligently to prepare for the near future. We’ve launched several initiatives focused on corridor planning. One major project is our MARTA Rapid, a bus rapid transit network. We’ve started construction on the first of many lines, the Summerhill line.
Why does the Summerhill line stand out in terms of MARTA’s transit corridors?
MARTA Rapid Summerhill is our first bus rapid transit line. Instead of calling it BRT, saying “rapid” really emphasizes that our focus is on providing fast, reliable, high-capacity transit. It’s about meeting people’s needs to travel efficiently from point A to point B, regardless of the type of vehicle used. The Rapid Summerhill line runs about five miles from south downtown to the Atlanta BeltLine and is set to launch in 2025. This project is exciting because it’s happening soon, it’s a positive development and it serves the community with five electric, articulated buses. These buses offer a modern experience with low-floor level boarding, and they’re quieter and smoother than traditional diesel buses. The stations will provide convenient services like off-board payment and information screens, resembling the experience at our heavy rail stations. This allows us to enhance mobility through key city corridors more quickly, with less disruption, and at a lower cost.
What are the key features and goals of MARTA’s other new rapid transit initiatives?
Another project in the works is the Clayton Southlake Rapid line, spanning about 15 miles. It connects significant locations like the Southern Regional Medical Center, Southlake Mall, and will include service to College Park, Riverdale, and Morrow. Initially planned to start at College Park, we’re now considering extending it to the airport, the state’s largest single employer. This connection could transform access to the world’s busiest airport, making the project more competitive for federal funding and significantly impacting our community. In Clayton, we also have a Rapid line planned for State Route 54, which runs approximately 22 miles starting at East Point Station and passing by the airport. It’s crucial for serving neighborhoods that would otherwise wait a long time for transit. The Rapid line planned in the Campbellton corridor is another project we’re excited about, aiming to offer gold standard rapid, high–capacity transit and improved accessibility.
The Rapid line planned for the Clifton corridor is also a significant project, connecting major employment centers like Emory University and the CDC. Implementing efficient, high-capacity transit in this corridor is vital for alleviating congestion, improving access to thousands of jobs, and connecting residents in the area. Furthermore, we’re planning Rapid lines for other corridors, including on Georgia 400 and I-285, which will enhance connectivity across the region. Each project represents a step towards a more connected, accessible Atlanta, showing our commitment to improving transit and making a difference in people’s lives. We have taken jurisdictional partners to other cities, like Indianapolis, to demonstrate the benefits of bus rapid transit, which has helped gain support for these projects. Transit’s goal is to connect people to their aspirations efficiently, and by focusing on these Rapid lines, we’re doing just that.
How is MARTA modernizing its fleet and enhancing sustainability in public transit?
One of the most significant signs of modernization at MARTA in the next few years will be our new railcars. Our current fleet, which is about 40 years old, has served us well, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our maintenance team. However, it’s time for an upgrade. We’ve embarked on acquiring state-of-the-art trains, designed with substantial input from our Riders Advisory Council, Accessibility Community Council, MARTA employees and our customers.. Everyone contributed ideas about what an ideal train would feature and function like. The trains are being manufactured by Stadler, a Swiss company, and the CQ400 is the first heavy rail train of its kind in the United States. The first of these trains will arrive later this year for thorough testing before entering revenue service next year. This new model is exciting for several reasons. It features an open gangway design, allowing passengers to see from one end of the train to the other, enhancing both aesthetics and security. Operationally, it’s a superior product, equipped with digital information systems, and designated spaces for wheelchairs, luggage, and bicycles – all based on feedback from our customers.
In parallel with the railcar modernization, our bus program is also advancing with the integration of electric vehicles. All our Rapid lines will be served by electric buses. This shift not only represents a commitment to zero or low-emission transportation options but also significantly exceeds environmental responsibilities compared to traditional diesel buses. Currently, 75% of our fleet consists of compressed natural gas vehicles, already positioning us as a lower-emission option; however, transitioning to fully electric vehicles marks a significant step forward in our environmental commitment.
How is MARTA preparing for the 2026 World Cup?
As part of our systemwide Station Rehabilitation Program, our busiest station, Airport Station, is being prioritized for renovation. This rail station that connects directly to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will be the first introduction to MARTA for soccer fans when they arrive here for the World Cup in 2026. Our goal is to ensure the transition from plane to train is seamless. Atlanta is known for its efficient transit time from baggage claim to downtown, second only to DC by a narrow margin. We aim to enhance the quality of this experience, emphasizing the value of direct train access to the airport.
We’re planning several improvements at Airport Station, including public art installations, a new RideStore, renovated employee areas, updated signage, a new canopy to complement the airport’s new flooring, wall cladding, ceiling and lighting in the concourse, and upgrading existing elevators along with the addition of a new one. All these upgrades are scheduled to be completed before the World Cup.
Five Points Station, the other key point in the journey from plane to train to downtown, is also undergoing rehabilitation. Known for its Brutalist design and dark spaces, we’re replacing the canopy, enhancing street connections for pedestrians, and creating a welcoming city center with green spaces, concessions and improved plaza and concourse levels. This modernization effort extends to all 38 stations, aiming not just to improve aesthetics but also to enhance safety, functionality, and cleanliness for our riders.
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