Atlanta's $3.9 billion public transportation program approved

Atlanta's $3.9 billion transportation projects were approved by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's (MARTA) board of directors.

The also known as ''More MARTA'' plan, is a 40-year program that includes 22 miles of railway and 14 miles of bus rapid transit at a cost of $2.8 billion and $433.8 million, respectively. These projects will be partially funded by the government. Furthermore, the plan incorporates the development of a $340 million local bus, a $200 million road network of arterial rapid transit, $225 million station and general upgrades and $7 million transit centers. MARTA officials state that they will investigate the possibility of private funding in order to ensure the accomplishment of the project.

Board chairman Robert L. Ashe states: “In Atlanta in the 21st century, transit is the lifeblood of opportunity. It is how millions of Atlantans access jobs, school, health care, and move throughout their communities. Today, we together took an important step in building the Atlanta we want for decades to come.” 

Mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms, points out the significance of obtaining a modern transportation system: “As Atlanta’s population grows, so must our investment in equitable and accessible transportation options. With development plans spanning from Greenbriar in Southwest Atlanta to Emory University, today's MARTA vote helps move us closer towards becoming One Atlanta." 

Some procedures have already begun as MARTA is working on securing some additional funding. In the next months, cost analyses and schedule development will be conducted for the fundamental individual projects.

Sources: Itsmarta.com, Constructiondive.com