MARTA OKs contract to extend transit service to Gwinnett County

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's (MARTA) board late last week approved a contract to extend bus, rail and paratransit services to Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Under contract terms, MARTA would immediately assume control of six local bus routes and fixed express routes now operated by Gwinnett County Transit.

The contract marks an "important step" before the county's voters decide on a 1-percent sales tax to fund transit operations, capital expenses and expansion through 2057, MARTA officials said in a press release. Residents will vote on the sales tax increase in March 2019.

The sales tax is estimated to generate about $5 billion through 2057, MARTA officials said.

Gwinnett County recently adopted a transit development plan that includes building a heavy-rail line from MARTA's station in Doraville, Georgia, to Gwinnett Place Mall along the Interstate 85 corridor.