The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s (MARTA) board awarded a contract for the installation of Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI) filters into the existing air conditioning (AC) units at the authority’s office buildings, police precincts, bus garages, and railyard towers.

Two hundred nine AC units at 18 MARTA facilities will receive NPBI devices, including at headquarters, the Integrated Operations Center (IOC), and Brady Mobility Facility. The NPBI air-filtering devices eliminate airborne pathogens and deliver clean air without producing ozone or other harmful by-products.

“Several months ago, we convened a Return to New Normal Task Force to formulate a clear process for the successful return of teleworkers, office staff, and customers to MARTA’s new pandemic-conscious workplace and service. These filters are one part of the safety protocol we’ve developed,” said MARTA GM/CEO Jeffrey Parker. “Those employees who are able to continue productively working from home are encouraged to do so but we want to ensure that anyone who must work in or visit our facilities remains healthy.”

Other actions coming from the Return to New Normal Task Force, include a Temperature Screening Pilot Program and exploring new workstation configurations to provide ample distance between employees and more efficient use of office space. Additionally, all employees, contractors, and visitors are required to wear a mask or facial covering while on any MARTA property.

MARTA has also adopted enhanced cleaning procedures at all facilities that include using electrostatic sprayers to disperse a fine mist of disinfectant that adheres evenly to all surfaces and dries instantly. NPBI filters provide another layer of protection by neutralizing particulate matter, bacteria and virus cells, odorous gases and aerosols, and volatile organic compounds and delivering clean indoor air.

The NPBI units made by Global Plasma Solutions come in four sizes to accommodate all existing AC equipment and are self-cleaning, simple to install, and proven to reduce energy costs by 30%. The devices will be installed this fall.