MARTA board chairwoman questions agency's leadership after audits
The Brief
MARTA Board Chairwoman Jennifer Ide says she lacks confidence in CEO Collie Greenwood's leadership amid an ongoing audit dispute with the city of Atlanta.
Conflicting audits have sparked tension, with a city audit alleging $70 million in overcharges for bus services, while MARTA's own review estimates the figure at just $865,000.
More MARTA committee meetings are set for next week, but the full board won't reconvene until April 10.
ATLANTA - Tensions are escalating within MARTA leadership, as Board Chairwoman Jennifer Ide said this week she does not have confidence in the agency's General Manager and CEO, Collie Greenwood.
What they're saying
Ide made the remarks during a committee meeting while discussing a growing dispute between the city of Atlanta and the transit agency over the results of two conflicting audits.
The backstory
Last year, a city-led audit concluded MARTA had overcharged for certain bus services by approximately $70 million. However, MARTA's internal audit, released this year, sharply contradicted that claim—reporting the overcharge as just $865,000.
RELATED STORIES
Fewer Atlantans are taking the train, but MARTA says numbers are off
Does MARTA owe Atlanta $70M? New report claims 2024 audit is wrong
MARTA wants public input on its NextGen Bus Network draft plan
Atlanta mayor pulls back support for eastside Beltline rail service
New audit finds MARTA overcharged city by millions for expanded bus, train services
The disagreement has led to a public clash between Ide and Greenwood, with both leaders differing on how the agency should respond and move forward.
What's next
Several MARTA committees are scheduled to meet next week to continue discussions. The full MARTA board is not expected to meet again until April 10.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Atlanta Beltline plans 12-month driverless vehicles pilot program
The Brief The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority has approved a new pilot program that would bring autonomous Beep shuttles to parts of the Atlanta Beltline. The 12-month test would link the Atlanta University Center, MARTA's West End station, and the Beltline's Lee + White district. Officials are hoping to launch the program in time for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. ATLANTA - The Atlanta Beltline has greenlet a new pilot project bringing autonomous passenger vehicles to parts of the city's popular walking trail. Officials say the project will bring driverless Beep shuttles to intown streets as soon as next year. What we know Beltline officials revealed their proposal during a meeting of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) in May. That proposal was approved on Thursday, awarding the pilot project $1.75 million in funding as part of a contract with the Florida-based autonomous vehicle company Beep. According to the proposal, the route would span about two miles in southwest Atlanta, connecting the Atlanta University Center to MARTA's West End station and continuing to the Beltline at the Lee + White development. That stretch of the Beltline, formerly known as the Westside Trail, is being renamed the Southwest Trail. Officials are aiming to launch the project in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring thousands of international visitors to Atlanta. What they're saying "The first-of-its-kind autonomous public shuttle service in the City of Atlanta, the program will provide first/last mile connectivity with under 15-minute headways on the selected route, drive economic impact to the area, engage the community through rider surveys, workforce development opportunities, and local STEM programs, and promote tourism," the Atlanta Beltline What's next The planning and design stage as well as the vehicle fabrication will take place this summer and fall with operations set to start in January. During the pilot program, officials will get feedback through rider surveys. The Source Information for this story was provided by Atlanta Beltline Inc.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
MARTA to increase number of trains running while FIFA Club World Cup is in town
MARTA to increase number of trains running while FIFA Club World Cup is in town Matches for the FIFA Club World Cup kick off in two weeks. MARTA plans to beef up its operations. Fans will notice more trains before and after the games played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That includes a pre-game shuttle train that will run between the Five Points and Georgia World Congress Center stations. Advertisement MARTA says you can also expect a new payment system by the time the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup gets here. The new Breeze fare payment system will allow customers to tap their credit cards, smartphones, or smartwatches to pay for their fare. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Here's when the six games will take place: Monday, June 16, 3 p.m.: Chelsea FC (England) vs. LAFC (United States) Thursday, June 19, 3 p.m.: Inter Miami CF (United States) vs. FC Porto (Portugal) Sunday, June 22, 9 p.m.: Manchester City (England) vs. Al Ain FC (United Arab Emirates) Sunday, June 29, 12 p.m.: Round of 16 match Tuesday, July 1, 9 p.m.: Round of 16 match Saturday, July 5, 12 p.m.: Quarterfinal match The Five Points Station transformation project will not have an impact on transit services for the Club World Cup. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Associated Press
30-05-2025
- Associated Press
MARTA Selects CDM Smith to Design the Largest Bus Rapid Transit System in the State of Georgia
Atlanta, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CDM Smith was selected by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to design the Clayton County Southlake Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Alignment and Airport Connectivity project. CDM Smith and its partners will design approximately 15 miles of BRT with an elevated guideway into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The effort is MARTA's largest BRT project to date. This project will greatly improve Clayton County residents' access to job opportunities and education and will open doors for further transit-oriented development in the area. Direct premium transit service to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and MARTA's rail system will greatly contribute to the local and regional economies. Planning and design work is funded by the one-cent sales tax approved by Clayton County voters in 2014. The project has submitted an application for a Small Starts grant award from the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. The current project budget is $355.6 million. In service of its goal to provide premium transit service throughout the county, the BRT system design will include an elevated guideway, elevated bus stations, and a pedestrian bridge connector to the airport terminal and MARTA train station. The design phase of this project will take two years to complete. Construction is estimated to take place from 2028 through 2030. 'We brought experience from our successful BRT project portfolio and remained focused on MARTA's goals and Clayton County's needs to create the right team to design this BRT,' said CDM Smith principal Chuck Deeb. Attachment Kelly Brolin CDM Smith 617.452.6153 [email protected]