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.

Operations and funding

Shoppers in Fulton and DeKalb counties pay a 1% sales tax to support MARTA. More than 40% of this tax is exported (paid by persons who are not residents of Fulton and DeKalb counties). According to MARTA, more than 85% of its riders are residents of Fulton and DeKalb counties. Metro Atlanta's inner suburban counties, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton initially agreed to join MARTA but refused membership when voters in their respective counties voted against paying to help fund the system. Since the original MARTA plan consisted of a much wider service area, some counties have representatives on the board of directors (e.g., Gwinnett and Clayton). However, only Fulton and DeKalb counties give financial support to MARTA. The inner suburban counties have instead created their own independent bus systems; Cobb Community Transit in 1989 (July 10), Gwinnett County Transit in 2001 (Nov. 5), and C-TRAN in 2001 (Oct. 1) respectively. Eleven counties, including Fulton and DeKalb, and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority also are working together to provide a regional commuter coach service, Xpress, which began service on June 6, 2004. The system receives limited financial support for capital projects from the state of Georgia, and U.S. federal transit subsidies and grants for capital development and maintenance. By law, half of all MARTA revenues (sales tax plus fare box) must be spent on operations, half on capital expenditures like expanding the system. This law was amended in 2004 to allow a 45% capital/55% operations split for a fixed period.

Related Topics:
Sales tax - Cobb - Gwinnett - Clayton - Cobb Community Transit - 1989 - Gwinnett County Transit - 2001 - Georgia Regional Transportation Authority - June 6 - 2004 - Georgia - U.S.

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