MARTA and City of Atlanta introduce region’s first rapid BRT line

Credit: MARTA

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and the City of Atlanta have announced the commencement of construction for the region’s inaugural bus rapid transit (BRT) line, which will be known as MARTA Rapid. The line is set to begin operations in 2025.

Spanning five miles, the BRT line will establish connections between downtown Atlanta, Capitol Gateway, Summerhill, Peoplestown and the Beltline, while also integrating with MARTA’s heavy rail system at Five Points, Georgia State and Garnett Stations.

With an emphasis on high capacity, the transit line will employ new electric buses and operate primarily in dedicated lanes, accounting for approximately 85% of its route. Additional features will include transit signal priority, off-board fare collection at 14 BRT stations, real-time service information and level boarding, akin to traditional rail stations.

“We are excited to celebrate this milestone in the More MARTA Atlanta Program and get started building the region’s first BRT line in this vital city corridor,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “This line will provide an efficient connection between historic city neighbourhoods, job centres, Georgia State, and our rail system, and will be the benchmark for future BRT lines in metro Atlanta.”

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“Investments in transit are really investments in our people, communities and future,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “I came into office with a long-term vision to assure that all our residents would share in Atlanta’s growth and prosperity, and transit equity is a huge part of that charge.”

“BRT is the future of transit. I’ve spearheaded BRT projects in other cities and seen it transform communities,” said MARTA Chief Capital Officer Carrie Rocha. “BRT can be built faster and at lower cost, bringing the amenities of rail service while remaining flexible in ways rail is not. I’m excited to get started building the first BRT in the region.”

Funding for the Summerhill BRT line is sourced from a federal TIGER Grant and the More MARTA Atlanta half-penny sales tax.