Latest news with #CollieGreenwood
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Final public meetings announced for proposed I-285 express lanes project
ATLANTA - Want to have your say about possible express lanes on Interstate 285? You have a few more chances to let your voice be heard. MARTA has planned several more meetings so you can learn more about the planned I-285 Express Lane Transit Study in May. What we know The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is conducting a study to explore the potential for expanding transit access using the planned express lanes. The proposed lanes would run along the northern portion of I-285, connecting the H.E. Holmes and Indian Creek MARTA stations. Officials say the population along the I-285 corridor is expected to grow by 42% by 2050, meaning that expanded and efficient traffic will be essential for the region. The study is looking at possible ramp and station locations, service enhancements, and the next steps for implementation. What they're saying "The I-285 Express Lanes Transit Study is a pivotal step in shaping how we address the region's growing need for expanded and reliable public transportation," said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. "By tapping into the funded Express Lanes infrastructure investments already planned for I-285, we have an opportunity to provide efficient transit solutions that benefit residents and commuters alike." What you can do The three meetings will be held around metro Atlanta in May. Tuesday, May 6, 20255:30 p.m. – 7:30 City Hall4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road NEDunwoody, Ga.30338Translators available in Spanish and Arabic Wednesday, May 7, 20255:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center3201 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SWAtlanta, Ga. 30311Translators available in Spanish and Arabic Thursday, May 8, 20255:30 p.m. – 7:30 Community Center3701 College Ga. 30021Translators available in Spanish and Arabic Officials say the meetings will give participants the opportunity to see the final concepts and speak with the project team. The Source Information for this story was taken from a release by MARTA and previous FOX 5 reporting.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
State of MARTA 2025: New train car unveiled as transit leaders look towards future
The Brief MARTA unveiled a new fleet of train cars with enhanced features, expected to enter service by 2026. A $1 billion investment will enhance all 38 rail stations with improvements like brighter lights and "smart" restrooms. MARTA Rapid, featuring 60-foot purple electric vehicles, will debut on Summerhill's "Rapid A Line" next year. The initiatives aim to improve transit safety and performance, crucial for accommodating 2 million more residents in the next 25 years. MARTA plans to overhaul the existing bus system, seeking community input for the NextGen Bus Network. ATLANTA - The Council for Quality Growth and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) hosted the 2025 State of MARTA event on Thursday. The event, attended by over 500 people, including local officials and transit professionals, took place at Lindbergh Station and Uptown Atlanta. What we know MARTA unveiled its new fleet of train cars, developed by Stadler Rail, featuring enhanced lighting, seating, digital displays, charging stations, cameras, and noise monitors. The exterior of the cars is marked by a lighted "smile" in red, gold, green, or blue, indicating the rail line they service. The full fleet is expected to enter revenue service by 2026. What's next MARTA's General Manager & CEO, Collie Greenwood, announced a $1 billion investment to enhance all 38 rail stations with improvements such as brighter lights, new seating, deep cleaning, repaving, elevators, and "smart" restrooms. Upgrades are already visible at several stations, including Airport and Five Points. Greenwood also discussed the launch of MARTA Rapid, featuring 60-foot purple electric vehicles, set to debut on Summerhill's "Rapid A Line" next year, with additional lines planned for various corridors in Atlanta and Clayton County. Why you should care MARTA's initiatives aim to revolutionize the transit experience in Atlanta, providing "safe, clean, and reliable transit to metro Atlantans," as Greenwood stated. The new fleet and station enhancements are part of a broader effort to improve transit safety and performance, with plans for a new communications-based train control system and an automated fare collection system. These developments are crucial as the region anticipates 2 million more residents over the next 25 years, emphasizing the need for a robust transit network. Local perspective The Council for Quality Growth, a long-time advocate for transit, convenes the State of MARTA event biennially, bringing together the region's business community and local leaders. Clyde Higgs, the Council's 2025 Board Chair, highlighted the importance of transit network growth, while Michael Paris, President & CEO of the Council, stressed the need for increased investment to accommodate the region's growing population. What they're saying Greenwood emphasized MARTA's role as "the backbone of metro Atlanta's transit network," with plans to overhaul the existing bus system and seek community input for the NextGen Bus Network. "Transit is a value proposition that continues to increase as time goes on," he stated. The event also featured remarks from Jennifer Ide, Board Chair of MARTA, and other industry leaders, underscoring the collaborative effort to enhance Atlanta's transit infrastructure. The Source The Council for Quality Growth and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority were the sources for this article.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MARTA officials to unveil new trains, present ‘State of MARTA' address today
MARTA officials along with the Council for Quality Growth will hold the State of MARTA 2025: Next Top - The Future of Transit today. The event begins at 8 a.m. at Lindbergh Center Station with an exclusive look at their new trains. That's followed at 9 a.m. by the State of MARTA address given by MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood in the lobby of Uptown, located across the street from the station. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach will bring you the latest updates today on Channel 2 Action News at Noon. TRENDING STORIES: Passenger jet with 64 aboard collides with Army helicopter while landing at Reagan Airport near DC Accountant by day, rapist by night: Inside the case that led to a 'monster' being convicted Truck spills piles of 'undeliverable' mail on side of I-285 in Cobb County [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
