17-07-2025
MARTA and CEO Collie Greenwood part ways as agency faces pivotal year
The MARTA board voted Thursday to "mutually" part ways with Collie Greenwood, ending a three-year leadership tenure marked by new construction, service turbulence and debate over Atlanta's transit future.
Why it matters: Greenwood's exit lands as MARTA prepares for next summer's FIFA World Cup, struggles to rebuild post-pandemic ridership and pushes forward on Atlanta's $2.7 billion transit expansion plan.
The intrigue: Greenwood chose early retirement due to "immigration and personal matters," according to the resolution ending his employment agreement.
Greenwood, who is a Canadian citizen, was unable to attend the meeting because of unspecified immigration issues, board chair Jennifer Ide said.
Details were not immediately available.
MARTA board members declined to comment after the meeting and agency staff said a press release was forthcoming.
Board member Rod Frierson said during the meeting that "[w]e have tried to work through it, and it just wasn't possible."
Between the lines: Service disruptions at major events — including the Peachtree Road Race, a Shakira concert, and most recently an escalator mishap that injured 11 after Beyoncé's show — drew public criticism.
What they're saying:"It is very unfortunate that immigration is a very complicated issue in the United States today," Ide said after the board vote.
"But Mr. Greenwood needed to make the decision that was best for him and his family, and his MARTA family will miss him tremendously."
Catch up quick: Greenwood was named permanent CEO and general manager in late 2022 after serving as interim chief following Jeffrey Parker's death earlier that year.
He joined MARTA in 2019, initially overseeing the bus network before his promotion to deputy general manager.
Zoom in: Greenwood led MARTA's largest capital investments in decades — including bus rapid transit and station rehabs — and an ambitious redesign of the bus system.
Under Greenwood, MARTA won the American Public Transit Association's 2024 outstanding public transportation system award, and secured AAA bond status from two credit agencies.
Yes, but: MARTA ridership fell 6% in 2024 while national transit usage climbed 24%, the AJC reported in March, citing a Federal Transit Administration report.
The agency disputed the findings, citing fare gate and Breeze Card problems.
Friction point: MARTA's relationship with City Hall soured over dueling audits, construction delays and debates about the Five Points station renovation.
Rhonda Allen, MARTA's chief customer experience officer, will work as acting general manager and CEO until the board appoints an interim.
The board also created an ad hoc committee with a representative from each jurisdiction that funds MARTA to search for Greenwood's permanent successor.
