Latest news with #NextGenBusNetwork
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
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MARTA to host final NextGen Bus Network public meetings
MARTA has plans to make significant changes to its bus routes as part of the NextGen Bus Network. Ahead of those changes being finalized, the transit agency has been holding meetings for the public to weigh in on new routes, new runtimes and more. Now, the last few days of those meetings are coming up for the metro Atlanta area and MARTA wants to ensure you get that chance to discuss the changes this week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] RELATED STORIES: MARTA plans to change several bus routes to improve service MARTA ridership data more than 1 million below travel forecast, but officials disagree. Here's why MARTA to close south entrance of East Lake Station before end of March March 10, 2025 North Fulton Virtual Lunch & Learn Noon – 1 p.m. Virtual March 10, 2025 South Fulton In-Person Meeting 6 – 7:30 p.m. Sandtown Park 5320 Campbellton Road SW Atlanta, Ga. 30331 March 11, 2025 DeKalb In-Person Meeting 6 – 7:30 p.m. Lou Walker Senior Center 2538 Panola Road Lithonia, Ga. 30058 March 12, 2025 Atlanta Virtual Lunch & Learn Noon – 1 p.m. Virtual March 12, 2025 DeKalb In-Person Meeting 6 – 7:30 p.m. New Black Wall Street 8109 Mall Pkwy. Stonecrest, Ga. 30038 March 13, 2025 Systemwide Virtual Lunch & Learn En Español Noon – 1 p.m. Virtual March 13, 2025 Clayton In-Person Meeting 6 – 7:30 p.m. Jonesboro City Center 1859 City Center Way Jonesboro, Ga. 30236 March 14, 2025 Systemwide Open House 2 – 8 p.m. MARTA Headquarters 2424 Piedmont Road NW Atlanta, Ga. 30324 [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MARTA wants public input on its NextGen Bus Network draft plan
ATLANTA - The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is asking for community feedback on its NextGen Bus Network draft plan, a proposed redesign of more than 100 bus routes aimed at improving efficiency and service across the region. To gather public input, MARTA is hosting 18 in-person and virtual meetings over the next two weeks. These meetings will give residents the opportunity to review the draft plan, ask questions, and share their thoughts on the proposed changes. Click here for the schedule. In addition to the meetings, MARTA is offering an online survey where community members can provide feedback on the NextGen Bus Network. The redesign is part of MARTA's efforts to create a smarter, faster, and more reliable transit system that meets the evolving needs of metro Atlanta riders.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MARTA plans to change several bus routes to improve service
MARTA is planning to expand its service to increase access and equity for its riders. The transit company is hoping to implement their NextGen Bus Network by the end of this year that would impact 100 bus routes. The network is supposed to improve access and equity for riders by making the bus system more efficient. The proposed changes will impact bus routes in Atlanta, Dekalb County and Fulton County. MARTA leaders said service in Clayton County will remain untouched. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] MARTA said they currently serve around 620,000 people. They quantify that as people who live around a quarter mile to transit service. However, the proposed draft network would increase that service number by around 12,500 people. MARTA said they want to give riders better access to jobs, grocery stores, and hospitals. 'Since I've been riding MARTA, it's been roughly the same,' said rider Michael Karim. 'I haven't seen any major improvements.' The plan also includes more frequent services, which are routes that run every 15 minutes. Transit leaders also said the goal is to create routes that are more straightforward that require people to make fewer transfers. Throughout the weekend, MARTA canvassers are asking riders about their experience, so MARTA can incorporate that into their plan. TRENDING STORIES: Atlanta tire shop owner shot, killed by employee before owner's son shoots him, friend says 5 Georgia Social Security Administration offices to close amid Trump Administration overhauls Lil Baby's attorneys say APD's 'cowardly acts' statement about rapper is 'total nonsense' Canvassers told Channel 2′s Eryn Rogers the feedback they are hearing most is people concerned about their safety, people not feeling heard, buses not showing up and riders not being communicated with as to why, cleanliness, and customer service. 'Some bus drivers are nice, but some bus drivers are mean,' said rider Rocquez Bandy. Riders would also like to see the frequency of the routes changed. 'Everybody likes the bus to be on time,' Karim said. 'Nobody likes to be late. I think the transportation could be a lot better on the weekends.' If you would like to take the survey or attend an information session, you can click here. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
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.
