The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors has awarded a $226 million contract for fixed-route buses to New Flyer. The five-year contract, funded by the Federal Transit Administration’s Low and No Emissions grant, will allow MARTA to purchase 45 battery-electric buses and 135 compressed natural gas buses. The contract also allows MARTA to purchase fuel-cell powered buses in the future as regional leaders continue to explore the possibilities of hydrogen.
MARTA also advanced three other projects in Atlanta and DeKalb County.
The first project amends a locally preferred alternative (LPA) for the Campbellton Corridor bus rapid transit (BRT). This will create a flyover over I-285 from Greenbriar Parkway to Barge Road Park & Ride, providing more direct access from the future Greenbriar Mall Station to the Barge Road Station, effectively cutting travel time in half compared to the current local bus service. The project is predicted to cost up to $25 million and is expected to open in 2028.
The second project will update the Buford Highway arterial rapid transit in DeKalb County by including traffic signal priority for faster, more reliable service and creating new shelters that feature seating and real-time service information screens. The project is expected to be operational in 2026.
The final project at the South DeKalb Transit Hub will provide covered waiting areas with seating, restrooms, customer service kiosks, and real-time bus arrival information. The hub looks to improve the customer experience and bus-to-bus transfers in South DeKalb. The project is budgeted for $37 million and is predicted to be operational in 2026.
