Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

The public hearing focused on the review of the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating and capital budget. Discussions covered strategic priorities including safety, cleanliness, reliability, and customer experience. Key financial highlights included a proposed balanced budget without reserve usage, projected sales tax revenue, federal support, and passenger revenue expectations. The meeting also addressed operational budget factors such as labor costs, headcount increases, fuel contingencies, and capital project allocations, including state of good repair and expansion plans for the More MARTA City of Atlanta and Clayton County projects.

The board meeting focused on organizational updates and preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Key discussion topics included the launch of the 'Better Breeze' fare system, the roll-out of new rail cars, and the implementation of the next-generation bus network. Significant time was dedicated to detailed planning for World Cup mobility, including station improvements, wayfinding, security measures, and crowd control strategies. The board also discussed regional coordination efforts and addressed operational inquiries regarding fare transition, transit service availability, and future ticket integration possibilities.

The committee meeting focused on internal audit activities for the second quarter of the fiscal year. Key discussion topics included progress on operational audit engagements such as the Allis invoicing system, on-time service delivery, workers' compensation and casualty losses, and World Cup preparedness. The briefing also covered recently issued audit reports regarding alertness assurance policy compliance, Oracle Primavera P6 and Unifier modules, a follow-up on the CPMO audit, and an advisory review on rail car delivery readiness. IT audit initiatives were discussed, specifically enterprise data centers, the AFC/Breeze implementation, and end-user security. Furthermore, the committee reviewed contract audit results and fraud investigation reports, including findings on asset disposition and employee time and attendance fraud.

The committee reviewed legislative priorities including the penny extension and government affairs outreach. A marketing briefing highlighted the Big 6 initiatives for the year, which include the NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach service, Breeze fare payment upgrades, CQ400 rail cars, the Rapid A-Line, and preparations for the FIFA World Cup. Additionally, the committee received an overview of media impressions and communications strategies from November 2025 through February 2026.

The Board of Directors approved a resolution authorizing the issuance, sale, execution, and delivery of Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, specifically Refunding Series 2026A (Green Bonds). The meeting included reports from the Business Management, Planning & Capital Programs, Operations & Safety, and External Relations committees. Additionally, the Board approved a resolution to negotiate an offer to purchase property located at 50 Upper Alabama Street for the relocation of the MARTA Police Department Five Points Precinct.