MARTA unveils first of new trains

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority officials yesterday unveiled the first of the agency's new CQ400 trains at the annual State of MARTA event.  

The vehicles were unveiled as MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood talked about several projects the transit agency is working on as it prepares for its anticipated regional population growth to 8 million from 6 million by 2050, MARTA officials said in a press release.  

One project is the implementation of the CQ400 rail cars. The units feature open gangway designs, upgraded lighting and seating, digital displays, charging stations and improved safety measures. The trains are scheduled to begin service later in the year, according to a report from NPR and PBS affiliate public media station WABE. 

MARTA also will implement communications-based train control to improve rail safety, efficiency and on-time performance. Additionally, the agency has plans to upgrade its fare payment system

MARTA is undertaking its largest system expansion and modernization in its history in preparation for the population growth by investing $1 billion to upgrade all 38 rail stations.