MARTA launches color-coded rail system
Under new system, main rail lines – and their deviating branches – will be identified by four primary colors. The changes will minimize confusion, especially for first-time customers and visitors from other cities.
On Thursday, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) launched a color-coded rail-line identification system that’s designed to help transit riders more easily navigate the system.
The changes coincide with the implementation of a 25-cent base fare increase and an additional $1 for parking at MARTA lots, austerity measures that were approved by MARTA’s board of directors to help ensure the future of transit in metro Atlanta.
Under the new identification system, main rail lines – and their deviating branches – will be identified by four primary colors. The changes will minimize confusion, especially for first-time customers, and those traveling on lines that split as well as visitors from other cities who are likely more accustomed to color-coded rail systems. Transit systems across the country typically identify rail lines by color rather than the “end-of-line” designations MARTA currently uses.
The changes in the rail line identification system are part of an overall update of MARTA’s graphic standards. The new standards will eventually be incorporated throughout the system as vehicles and system equipment are rehabilitated or replaced. MARTA will also be revising its written materials to make it easier and simpler for riders to use the system.
More Rail

Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →
Chicago Leaders Unveil Plans for O’Hare Airport Express Train
The privately developed project would offer a 15-minute trip between downtown and O’Hare’s Terminal 2, with trains operating every 15 minutes on a dedicated track. The service would use battery-electric trains and three existing freight rail rights-of-way.
Read More →
OCTA Maps Out 30-Year Strategy to Protect Coastal Rail Corridor
The draft feasibility report identifies strategies to protect the coastal rail line for decades as the agency continues near-term stabilization and sand placement efforts.
Read More →
The Business Voice Behind Public Transportation
As chair of APTA’s Business Members Board of Governors, Ray Melleady explains how more than 850 business members are partnering with transit agencies to advance funding, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.
Read More →
FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak
Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →
OKC Streetcar Makes Zero-Fare Service Permanent
Ridership increased an average of 71% compared with the same period a year earlier during the fare-free pilot.
Read More →