MARTA jurisdictions pass '15th Amendment' to fund bus, railcar ops

All four of the jurisdictions where MARTA provides service have passed the 15th amendment to the Rapid Transit Contract and Assistance Agreement (RTCAA). The move extends the full-penny sales tax that funds MARTA bus and rail service in Atlanta, as well as Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton Counties, through 2057.

“MARTA has spent significant time in the last two years working with our jurisdictional partners to build and repair relationships, deliver on service improvements, and advance capital projects, said MARTA GM/CEO Jeffrey Parker. “Fundamentally, approval of the 15th Amendment signals our jurisdictions’ commitment to our partnership. I do not take these votes of confidence lightly. The entire MARTA team will keep the promises we’ve made and keep us moving forward.”

Adoption of the 15th amendment allows MARTA to extend its long-term bonding capacity, which is necessary for MARTA to maintain the current service levels and capital program, including rehabilitation of all 38 rail stations and purchase of 254 new railcars. The amendment also enables MARTA to move forward with expansion projects in Atlanta and Clayton County and continue planning for expansion in Fulton and DeKalb counties.

MARTA’s current bonding capacity is estimated at $3.2 billion and includes $538 million in sales receipts collected in Atlanta, Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton Counties in 2019, along with the additional half-penny sales tax levied in the City of Atlanta.