Overview
This year, MARTA celebrates its 40th year as a combined bus and rail transit system. MARTA is the ninth largest transit system in the U.S. and the largest of its kind in the Southeast that provides bus, rail, and paratransit service. Bus and rail service is provided seven days a week, including direct access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
MARTA is funded by a one-cent sales tax collected in Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton counties; and a 1.5 cents levy in the City of Atlanta.
MARTA’s Economic Impact
Employees from fourteen out of the eighteen fastest growing industry sectors in metro Atlanta commute using MARTA.
| $2.6 billion |
total economic activity generated annually |
| 24,864 |
direct and indirect jobs supported annually |
Safety
MARTA is a Tier 1 Homeland Security transit system and the police department is CALEA Gold Standard of Excellence certified. With six precincts and officers placed across the system, MARTA consistently ranks as one of the safest transit systems in the country.
Key Gwinnett Facts
- Gwinnett is on track to be the most populated county in the entire state of Georgia. It’s expected to add an additional 600,000 residents over about 20 years, nearly doubling the population.
- If the referendum passes, MARTA will implement the county’s Connect Gwinnett transit plan, which includes short, medium, and long-range transit projects including heavy rail.
- MARTA will recruit Gwinnett employees for employment opportunities created at as a result of the referendum.
- Gwinnett County is slated to receive three voting seats on the MARTA board of directors.
Why Transit
- Every $1 invested in public transportation generates $4 in economic returns.
- Home values performed 42% better than when located near high-frequency public transit.
- A total of 87% of trips on public transit have a direct impact on the local economy.
- A household can save nearly $10,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car.