Atlanta and MARTA reach $52 million settlement to end decade-long dispute
The City of Atlanta and MARTA reached a $52 million settlement today to resolve a decade-long dispute over More MARTA sales tax allocations for enhanced bus services.
Atlanta voters originally approved the More MARTA sales tax in 2016 to fund public transit expansion across the city. A 2023 city audit subsequently questioned MARTA's spending and allocation of those tax proceeds, leading to an extended conflict between city administration and transit leadership.
Prior to the settlement, MARTA transferred $19.37 million from its reserve account into the dedicated More MARTA tax collection account. Under the terms of the deal, MARTA will transfer the remaining $32.63 million into the account to fund future transit projects.
A March report from the Atlanta Press Collective showed that MARTA has delivered two of 17 promised projects under the tax initiative: the Summerhill Bus Rapid Transit line and the NextGen Bus Network. System infrastructure updates continue alongside a planned bus network redesign, new rail vehicles and modern payment technology.
Operational rollout issues persist across several capital investments. Four months after installation, MARTA's tap-to-pay fare system is not operational at all transit stations, while the deployment of Stadler train cars has experienced multiple delays. In August, MARTA implemented more than 30 route changes and raised long-term parking rates.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the agreement resolves the long-running operational dispute between municipal officials and transit managers. “This resolution protects Atlanta's investment and gives us a stronger foundation to work together on the transit system our residents and region deserve,” Dickens said, adding that the agreement “allows us to put our full focus where it belongs—delivering the transit investments Atlantans voted for.”
MARTA General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt addressed the structural partnership required to operate the regional network effectively. “Resolving this matter provides greater certainty for both MARTA and the City and allow us to continue moving the More MARTA Atlanta program forward,” Hunt said. “Our customers are best served when MARTA and the City are working together in a collaborative fashion. This agreement gives us an opportunity to turn the page, strengthen that partnership and focus on making meaningful improvements to our system while delivering safe and reliable transit for the people of Atlanta.”
Atlanta City Council Transportation Committee Chair Alex Wan noted the oversight requirements for tax-funded infrastructure improvements. “Atlanta voters made a significant investment in the future of transit when they approved More MARTA,” Wan said. “This settlement provides needed resolution and allows all of us to move forward with greater accountability, transparency and focus on delivering projects.”
MARTA will transfer the remaining $32.63 million into the More MARTA tax collection fund using monthly installment payments, with final completion scheduled no later than Aug. 31, 2028.