MARTA Statement on Streetcar East Extension Project
MARTA understands that
recent news surrounding the Streetcar East extension has raised questions about
the project and concerns regarding transparency. As the transit operator in the
region, our goal is to address current and future transportation needs, and
ensure residents are involved in this important process.
The More MARTA Atlanta
Program is aligned with the Atlanta Transportation Plan and the City’s efforts
to build upon a layered, integrated, regional transportation
network. Advancing this infrastructure requires creativity, sustained
partnerships, and the time needed to align key stakeholder
priorities with technical and funding requirements. Transit has
always been part of the Beltline plan, and the Streetcar East extension project
remains a priority for the More MARTA Program.
Roles and
responsibilities for planning, funding, and implementing Beltline transit are
defined by the 2020 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between
the City of Atlanta and MARTA, which governs the activation and use of More
MARTA funding. The agreement establishes a joint decision-making framework
through authorized committees that guide planning, design, construction, and
operations for More MARTA–supported projects. As part of this structure,
leadership from MARTA, the City of Atlanta, and Atlanta Beltline, Inc., serve
on the Program Governance Committee (PGC). The group convenes monthly, and
its meetings are conducted with established protocols in a transparent manner.
On March 13, 2025,
during a public MARTA Board of Directors meeting, the City announced
plans to reprioritize Atlanta Beltline light rail. As such, on
May 27, 2025, during a Program Governance Committee meeting, the committee decided
to temporarily pause the funding of two ongoing streetcar feasibility
studies. The committee agreed that since the project was at 30% design,
the most prudent course of action was to hold expending more funds until a
reprioritization of projects could occur and a path forward determined. This
decision was consistent with the IGA process, and board notification is not
required. However, MARTA is in the practice of updating its Board on a variety
of projects, even when it is not required.
As discussions continue
around the reprioritization of More MARTA projects, updates will be shared.
Final policy decisions and approvals related to the More MARTA
Program rest with the City of Atlanta and the MARTA Board of Directors,
and we will continue to communicate outcomes and next steps as they move
through the process.
MARTA will continue to
work closely with the City of Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline, Inc. to advance
solutions that improve connectivity, mobility, and access for residents across
Atlanta.