by T.A. DeFeo
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority officials are weighing a proposed $654.5 million operating budget for fiscal 2025.
The budget anticipates roughly $386.5 million in sales tax revenue, nearly $82 million in passenger revenue and $80 million in federal operating assistance. The $654.5 million operating expenses are roughly $23 million more than the agency’s fiscal 2024 budget.
The transit agency also plans a $717.1 million State of Good Repair budget, including $550.5 million for capital expenditures and $152.4 million for debt service. The capital spending plan includes $91.8 million for the new series CQ400 railcars slated to enter service in 2025, $76.1 million for station rehabilitation and $31.7 million for bus procurement.
The agency’s fiscal 2025 Comprehensive Capital Program also includes $171 million under the More MARTA – City of Atlanta program and $35.3 million under the More MARTA – Clayton County program.
MARTA’s board of directors is expected to consider the budget at its June 13 meeting.
Last week, MARTA’s board adopted an amended locally preferred alternative for its 15-mile Southlake bus rapid transit system. The updated route includes a direct connection to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; service is scheduled to start in 2030.
“We are thrilled by the progress of Rapid Southlake, a dynamic project that will provide generational impacts for those living, working, or traveling in Clayton County,” MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood said in a statement. “Additionally, we see this direct connection to the airport’s Domestic Terminal as an opportunity to provide improved access to thousands of airport-related jobs and strengthen the project’s federal funding competitiveness.”
MARTA officials plan to submit an application for funding from Federal Transit Administration Capital Investments Grants Small Starts this summer.
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T.A. DeFeo is a contributor to The Center Square.
Photo “MARTA Train” by dbking. CC BY 2.0.
