MARTA proposes FY2015 budget; agency to oversee city's streetcar operation

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has proposed a fiscal-year 2015 budget that would allocate $415.6 million for operations and $470.1 million for capital programs, which includes $149.2 million for debt service, agency officials announced this week.

The budget was the subject of public hearings this week, with MARTA's board slated to adopt the final budget on June 5. The new fiscal year begins on July 1.

"This budget shows that we’re forging ahead with our plans to transform MARTA for the future," said MARTA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Keith Parker. "Our customers, taxpayers and the general public should be confident in the fact that MARTA is worth the investment and is making the best use of the financial resources entrusted to us as we move forward."

The budget proposal includes a 19 percent increase in rail service hours and no fare increase.

To learn more about some of the reforms underway at MARTA, read this month's cover story in Progressive Railroading and this web exclusive feature.

Meanwhile, MARTA and city of Atlanta officials announced earlier this week that the city will operate the Atlanta Streetcar with MARTA's oversight for the first 12 months of operation, according to Atlanta news media reports. The streetcar will be operational sometime this year.

City officials will solicit public comment on the streetcar's proposed fare structure and Title VI Policy at a May 20 meeting. The proposed fares include $1 for a full, one-way trip. The proposed structure will be presented to the Atlanta City Council for consideration on June 2, according to the Atlanta Streetcar website.