Image description: The image above shows a new CQ400 railcar stopped at Lindbergh Station for a reveal at “State of MARTA,” MARTA’s signature event showcasing its annual priorities.
Current Status: Testing
New railcars will be phased into the fleet over the next several years with the first car starting service in late 2025/early 2026.
Image description: This image shows the CQ400 railcar on the left and another railcar on the right. The CQ400 is lifted above the ground for structural testing. An orange lift sits in the foreground and other testing equipment sits on the garage floor.
Project Overview
MARTA is in the process of introducing Stadler’s new, state-of-the-art CQ400 railcars to its fleet. The new cars are designed to improve customer experience, safety, and accessibility. The CQ400s will replace the existing MARTA fleet in phases, making the new railcars more reliable, and easier to maintain than the existing trains, some of which date back to 1979.
Designed with Atlanta customers in mind, MARTA called on the help of industry leaders worldwide and its riders. More than 4,000 customers participated, contributing to a personalized and all-purpose build.
 (1)(1).jpg "CQ400 with primer")
Image Description: The image above shows a new railcar in the next phase of production at a Stadler Facility. The peach-colored car has a fresh coat of exterior primer to prepare for additional coats of paint and MARTA branding.
Project Features
The new, sleek railcar design prioritizes safety, accessibility, and comfort through the features below.
Safety
- Open gangways for increased operator visibility along the full length of the train
- CCTV camera systems that allow operators to monitor passenger behavior, identify unsafe environments, and more easily intervene during emergencies
- Microphones strategically placed on trains signaling loud noises to operator
- More emergency call buttons
- New LED lighting
Image description: This is an image of the interior gangway of a new railcar. The flexible, gray accordion-like panels keep the railcars connected, but allow customers to move freely between cars. The walls are painted a bright yellow.
Accessibility
- Large, ADA compliant doorways and spaces with plenty of room for wheelchairs, strollers, etc.
- Updated digital signage and audio equipment inside of trains including bus scheduling information
- Improved wayfinding (colored lights on the outside of the train match the color of the train line, paint designating door locations, etc.)
- Symbols indicating accessible entrances for wheelchairs, strollers, bikes, etc.
Comfort
- Upgraded seating that maximizes space and prioritizes comfort, includes forward and inward-facing seating options
- Open gangways, which allow passengers (and security) to move freely between the cars
- New handrails/grab bars for customers moving about the train
- Space for suitcases underneath the seat
- Conveniently located phone charging stations
- Designated storage areas
Image Description: This image is taken from outside of the railcar looking into the interior of the cab. Outside of the doors, a symbol shows where strollers, wheelchairs, and bicycles can board. Inside, there are symbols on the floor indicating storage locations.
Decommissioned railcars will continue to be deployed into the Atlantic Ocean off the Savannah coast to gradually develop into coral reef habitats for marine wildlife through the
Department of Natural Resources Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Unit.
Image description: The image above shows a lift hoisting a decommissioned MARTA railcar floating down off a barge into the ocean to become an artificial coral reef and marine habitat.
Resources/Documents
More CQ400 Photos
 (1).jpg "Finished CQ400 Railcar")
Image description: This close-up image shows the front of a finished CQ400 railcar at a Stadler facility with exterior glass, paint, and lighting. The MARTA logo shines brightly on the front of the train and the door is open.
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Please submit questions/comments regarding the project via email to MARTA Customer Service by phone at 404-848-5000 or
online here.