Why was MARTA created?

We started MARTA with a commitment to making public transit a reliable service — one that boosts economic development and enhances the lives of people across Metro Atlanta. Our story began in the 1950s when people first started to recognize the importance of Atlanta’s public transportation.

Who started MARTA?

the Georgia General Assembly
In 1965 the Georgia General Assembly voted to create MARTA, the mass transit system for the City of Atlanta and the five core metro counties: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett.

Who helped to improve Atlanta’s transportation system?

When Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen first proposed the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority in the early 1960’s, he had a vision to connect Atlanta’s burgeoning metro communities by rail and bus. Today, only three counties have agreed to pay for it.

Is MARTA part of the city of Atlanta?

MARTA is a multi-county Authority that is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 15 members, 3 from the City of Atlanta, 3 from Fulton County, 2 from Clayton County, 4 from DeKalb County, and one appointee by the Governor of Georgia.

How many cars drive through Atlanta a day?

I-75 and I-85 combine to form the Downtown Connector through the middle of the city, carrying more than 340,000 vehicles per day, making it one of the ten most congested segments of interstate highway in the United States.

Why is Atlanta such a bad city?

The city has high crime rates with both violent and property crimes more than three times more common in Charleston than they are nationwide. The city’s air quality is also among the worst in the country. Hazardous air quality is reported on about 18% of days per year, compared to just 6% of days on average nationwide.

Is MARTA privately owned?

A public authority operated under Georgia law, MARTA is governed by a fifteen-member board of directors with representation from Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, and Gwinnett counties and the city of Atlanta. MARTA has more than 4,500 employees.