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Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is continuing to struggle with the consequences of declining ridership and revenue. To make up for some of the shortfall, the authority plans to eliminate 100 jobs, and require non-represented employees to take two-week unpaid furloughs and contribute more toward insurance premiums.

MARTA expects the measures to save $6.6 million during fiscal-year 2004, which ends June 30.

The authority also is negotiating with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 732 to suspend MARTA contributions to the pension fund at least one year, reduce overtime pay and paid time off, forego wage increases and increase contributions to health benefits.

In the meantime, MARTA officials are seeking ways to boost revenue, such as wrapping trains in advertising, displaying videos in trains, providing concessions in stations and requiring passengers to pay for parking.