MARTA proposes fare hikes, job cuts

Facing a projected $18 million deficit next year, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has proposed a 25-cent fare hike on the system’s trains and buses.

In addition to increasing one-way fares from $1.75 to $2, MARTA’s board of directors is also considering charging people to use several complimentary shuttle buses and upping the fees on long-term parking lots.

MARTA has also discussed slashing 130 jobs, mostly middle managers, from the payroll. The agency has eliminated more than 700 jobs since 2002.

Public hearings on these proposed changes are expected to be held between April 19 and 21, and the board will vote on them in May.