The City of Atlanta and MARTA reached a $52 million settlement in an ongoing dispute over the More MARTA sales tax proceeds for enhanced bus service.
Announced on Aug. 27, the settlement ends a decade of fighting over how to spend tax dollars. Atlanta voters approved the More MARTA sales tax in 2016 to fund transit expansion. But a 2023 city audit questioned how MARTA had allocated some taxes for enhanced bus service – sparking a years-long conflict.
In March, Atlanta Press Collective reported that only two of 17 promised projects had been delivered: the Summerhill Bus Rapid Transit line and the NextGen Bus Network. Meanwhile, MARTA was working on major investments to roll out new train cars, a bus network redesign, and a new tap-to-pay fare system.
Four months after installation, tap-to-pay is not operational at all MARTA stations, while the rollout of Stadler’s futuristic train cars has stalled several times. In August, MARTA announced 30-plus route changes and increased long-term parking rates.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the settlement agreement will put a long-running dispute in the past and “allows us to put our full focus where it belongs—delivering the transit investments Atlantans voted for.”
MARTA previously transferred $19.37 million from the MARTA Reserve Account into an account for the More MARTA tax collection funds. Under the settlement, MARTA will transfer the remaining $32.63 million to the More MARTA account in monthly installments no later than Aug. 31, 2028. The funds will further support future projects.
“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,” Dickens said.
“Resolving this matter provides greater certainty for both MARTA and the City and allow us to continue moving the More MARTA Atlanta program forward,” MARTA General Manager and CEO Jonathan 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 said the City has a responsibility to deliver the improvements residents were promised.
“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.”
