City of Atlanta and MARTA Reach $52 Million Settlement Resolving More MARTA Bus Service Dispute

City of Atlanta and MARTA Reach $52 Million Settlement Resolving More MARTA Bus Service Dispute

ATLANTA-The City of Atlanta and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announced an agreement resolving the ongoing dispute regarding the More MARTA Atlanta sales tax proceeds used for enhanced bus service.

Under the agreement, a total settlement payment of $52 million represents the full and final resolution of all disputed amounts related to the More MARTA Atlanta sales tax proceeds allocated for enhanced bus service which was the subject of the City's 2023 audit of the More MARTA Atlanta program.

MARTA previously transferred $19.37 million from the MARTA Reserve Account to the More MARTA Atlanta Reserve Account. Under the settlement, MARTA will transfer the remaining $32.63 million to the More MARTA Atlanta Reserve Account, which is held by MARTA in administration of the More MARTA Atlanta program, in monthly installments no later than August 31, 2028. These funds will be available to further support More MARTA Atlanta future projects and many other priorities.

"This agreement puts a long-running dispute behind us and allows us to put our full focus where it belongs-delivering the transit investments Atlantans voted for," said Mayor Andre Dickens. "I appreciate GM Hunt, Chair Ide, Councilmember Wan and the teams at the City and MARTA for staying at the table to get this done. We can disagree, work through difficult issues and still find a way forward. This resolution protects Atlanta's investment and gives us a stronger foundation to work together on the transit system our residents and region deserve."

The agreement follows several years of review and discussion between the City and MARTA regarding the allocation of More MARTA Atlanta funds for enhanced bus service. With the matter resolved, both organizations are focused on strengthening their partnership and advancing the transit investments Atlanta voters approved through the More MARTA Atlanta program.

"Resolving this matter provides greater certainty for both MARTA and the City and allow us to continue moving the More MARTA Atlanta program forward," said MARTA General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt. "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."

More MARTA Atlanta was created following voter approval in 2016 of a half-penny sales tax dedicated to expanding and improving transit within the city of Atlanta. The program represents a long-term partnership between the City and MARTA to deliver transit improvements for Atlanta residents.

"This settlement reflects the kind of responsible governance our customers and taxpayers should expect," said MARTA Board Chair Jennifer Ide. "The Board appreciates the work by both parties to reach a resolution that provide clarity, closes this chapter and creates an opportunity for a stronger working relationship between MARTA and the City of Atlanta."

"Atlanta voters made a significant investment in the future of transit when they approved More MARTA, and we have a responsibility to make sure those dollars are accounted for and deliver the improvements residents were promised," said Atlanta City Council Transportation Committee Chair Alex Wan. "This settlement provides needed resolution and allows all of us to move forward with greater accountability, transparency and focus on delivering projects."

City of Atlanta and MARTA leadership will continue working together to advance the More MARTA Atlanta program and strengthen coordination around the planning, funding and delivery of transit improvements throughout Atlanta.