MARTA

MARTA is the common name for Atlanta's rapid transit system, consisting of a network of bus routes linked to a rapid transit system. It is operated by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority.

History

The system was established in 1971 with a signed agreement between DeKalb and Fulton counties, allowing such a system to run between the two counties.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

West-East Line construction

Construction on the West-East Line began in 1975 and the first rail service began on June 30, 1979 between the Georgia State and Avondale stations on the East Line. The second section of rail to open was the West Line between Hightower (now Hamilton E. Holmes) and Five Points stations, on December 15, 1979. On December 12, 1992, the Proctor Creek Line opened to Bankhead Station and in June of 1993, the Kensignton and Indian Creek stations opened, which also marked the first time MARTA rail service went outside I-285.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

North Line construction

On December 4, 1981, the North-South Line opened from Garnett Station to North Avenue, which also included the lower level of the Five Points Station. On September 11, 1982, the line was expanded to Arts Center, and the Peachtree Center station (whose opening was delayed from 1981) also opened. The section between Lindbergh Center and Brookhaven opened on December 15, 1984. The line reached Chamblee in 1987, and the Doraville terminus was finished in 1992. The section between Lenox and Doraville was redesignated the Doraville branch on June 8, 1996 when the North Springs (then Dunwoody) branch opened between Buckhead and Dunwoody stations (and also included the stretch in the Georgia 400 median). The last two North Line stations to open were Sandy Springs and North Springs, on December 16, 2000.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

South Line construction

The Garnett station opened in 1981 and was the first South Line station to open. The section between the West End and Lakewood-Fort McPherson opened on December 15, 1984. The East Point Station opened on August 16, 1986. and the College Park and Airport Stations opened on June 18, 1988. The Airport Station however, was built in 1980 as part of the construction of Hartsfield International Airport and was unused until the line was connected.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~