The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) completed installation of 1,000 new bus stop amenities throughout its service area, ensuring 70% of customers now have a sheltered space in which to wait for their bus.

The installations consist of bus shelters, standalone benches, and other seating options, and include trash cans and signs with service information at stops in the City of Atlanta, as well as Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton Counties.

“We are focused on improving the transit experience for our customers, and that includes making the time spent waiting for the bus more comfortable,” said Collie Greenwood, GM/CEO of MARTA. “These bus stop amenities are an important investment in the communities we serve, and the result of a commitment we made to our jurisdictional partners and customers five years ago.”

MARTA’s Amenity Program

The 1,000th amenity was recently completed at the MARTA bus stop along routes 25 and 825. MARTA installed a new Simme-Seat bench with sidewalk connection, as well as an updated bus stop information sign.

Throughout the five-year program, MARTA used ridership data along with feedback from customers, community stakeholders, and elected officials to determine the bus stops that required shelters and seating upgrades.

MARTA Expanding Program

Given the program’s success in providing safe, sheltered spaces for bus customers, MARTA is beginning the process of procuring a vendor for the next phase of the project and considering other amenities to deliver at stops. For instance, stops that may not meet the initial criteria for amenities may benefit from canopies, micro shelters, and increased lighting.

MARTA is also upgrading its bus stops with new signs that include route information and a QR code that links to bus schedules.

Additionally, MARTA benefits from the Safe Routes to Transit Program that provides safe, accessible connections to existing MARTA service across the Atlanta region.

The critical infrastructure improvements address pedestrian safety at high ridership bus stops, provide high visibility crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps, curb extensions, medians and refuge islands, and pedestrian beacons, among other improvements.