City, MARTA will jointly manage Atlanta Streetcar operations

By Collin Kelley INtown Editor

The Atlanta Streetcar will be jointly managed by the city of Atlanta and MARTA with a projected cost $3.9 million for the first year of operation.

Expenses are expected to drop to $3.5 million in years two through four, according to city officials, while the joint operation will save more than $5 million in the fist five years of operation. The city had been considering using a private contractor to run the system.

“This operational approach leverages the expertise of MARTA and the city’s growing technical capacity, which has been acknowledged through the city’s recently awarded FTA Grantee Status,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “I’m confident that this approach will give Atlanta the best run, safest and most cost-efficient system in the country.”

The Streetcar Management Committee, consisting of Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and the city with technical advice from MARTA, will set operational policy for the system.

MARTA will oversee all management and staff for the system’s operations and maintenance functions for the first year. After that, the three project partners, with the approval of rail transit regulators, will transition operations to the city.

The city will create an Office of Transit and FTA Administration that will administer the City’s FTA grantee status and provide oversight and strategic direction for its transit operations. At press time, there was still no date set for when the streetcar will open to the public, although there are rumors it will be in early July.