MARTA expanding rail station concessions

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) rail customers may be able to pick up a quick breakfast or even do some shopping while waiting for the train as the transit system ramps up the next phase of its concessions program.

The new initiative will include food, beverage and specialty retail offerings at select rail stations that will expand and enhance MARTA’s existing beverage and snack vending program that was launched in 2010.

MARTA will partner with real estate firms Greystone Management Solutions, a division of Greystone & Co. Inc. and Smith Real Estate Services Inc., an Atlanta-based, female-owned firm, to develop an expanded program.

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The team will assist MARTA with site selection and product mix to develop a request for bids to attract leading retailers. Greystone has provided similar asset management services to transit agencies in other major cities including New York and Boston.

“This next phase of rail station concessions complements our ongoing Transit-Oriented Development plans,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker, referring to the new, live-work-play communities that are being planned. “We look forward to receiving food, beverage and retail concepts that will help create a sense of place in and around MARTA rail stations and improve the overall experience of our customers.”

An Invitation for Bids (IFB) will be released in the coming months for the expanded program.

In addition, MARTA recently issued an IFB for a six-month pilot food truck concessions program at its Vine City station during Georgia Dome events, which will include the upcoming Atlanta Falcons football season.