Major Changes In Store for Marta?

The City of Atlanta is having a rough week. Between resident outcry over the increase of violent crime, the sad and senseless shooting of a Grant Park bartender and more problems for Marta, it seems like everyone is a bit down in the dumps.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that the Marta budget deficit is even larger than originally predicted. Marta obtains a large percentage of funding from tax revenues. With the current state of the economy, people aren't buying and funds are drying up.

The agency now expects a $57 million operating deficit this year, despite cutting $11 million in operational spending last month, Davis Allen, MARTA’s assistant general manager of finance told the AJC this week. Marta will have to take action and is considering a 25 cent fare increase (making the fare $2 each way), raising parking fees and some measures as drastic as cutting out weekend service all together.

As someone who uses Marta for my daily commute, the thought of having to downgrade, or eventually eliminate, Atlanta's public transportation is one that causes me great concern. Even non-riders should see the value of working to develop a strong public transportation system. Atlanta is already a city characterized by urban sprawl and a lack of walking culture and is consistently ranked among US cities with the worst traffic. Along with a failing public transportation system, these factors will discourage new businesses and residents from settling in Atlanta, stunting the growth of the city.

For those who are interested, there are two more opportunities this week to attend public meetings on the state of Marta:

• Thursday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., College Park Safety Complex, 3717 College St., College Park
• Saturday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to noon, MARTA Headquarters, Lindbergh Station, 2424 Piedmont Rd., Atlanta