Well-known to residents of metro Atlanta and familiar to regular visitors to our city, MARTA has been a reliable source of transportation for the city of Atlanta and outlying suburbs for over 50 years. Founded in 1971, MARTA was a much-needed response to a growing public transportation issue. After the Metropolitan Atlanta Transit Study Commission recommended a five-county bus and railway system to lower traffic congestion, Atlanta passed the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Act, better known as MARTA.
In 1972, MARTA purchased the Atlanta Transit System, obtaining full ownership of the city’s bus system and launching a 20% increase in ridership in a year’s time. After seven years of legislative and electoral efforts, 48 miles of rail lines and 740 bus stops now service thousands of visitors and residents daily. To date, MARTA has transported over 3.5 billion passengers throughout the metro area, acting as an economic and social driver for the city.
Dedicated to providing reliable public transportation, MARTA is also committed to creating convenient, walkable spaces for travelers and driving economic development around its stops. In the late ‘90s, developers constructed the Lindbergh Center Station, paving the way for $1.4 billion in annual economic activity for Georgia.
The organization continues to deliver clean, safe spaces for travelers to reach their destinations and partners with the city of Atlanta to create a bright future for current and future residents. The MARTA team strives to deliver excellent customer service, strengthen and evolve the organization’s brand, distribute the capital program efficiently and exhibit fiscal responsibility for the city and its travelers.
Over 500,000 riders occupy the rail stations and buses, Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Lines are subject to delays and cancellations due to inclement weather, unforeseen circumstances and technical difficulties. The bus/rail fee is $2.50 one way, which includes four free transfers in a three-hour time frame and services Atlanta, Fulton County and DeKalb County. For eligible persons with disabilities, MARTA provides ADA-Compliant Paratransit Service.
Atlanta tourists are encouraged to visit the MARTA website to plan their visit. For more information, call 404-848-5000 or visit itsmarta.com.
To successfully navigate the metro area, read our article on metro Atlanta transportation.
