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MARTA presents FY26 operating and capital priorities; says system ready for World Cup build-up
Summary
MARTA briefed Fulton commissioners on FY26 operating and capital priorities, including safety-focused spending, a bus-network redesign and accelerated station and rail work aimed at World Cup readiness.
MARTA officials gave the Fulton County Board of Commissioners a quarterly briefing on system performance, service redesign and capital projects, describing FY26 priorities and a pathway to readiness for the FIFA World Cup next year.
The transit agency reported a January 2025 ridership dip driven by severe weather and an administrative reporting issue that has since been fixed. MARTA said that it expects to return to and exceed pre-pandemic ridership over time through a bus-network redesign and service improvements focused on frequency and consistency.
MARTA budget priorities and service changes MARTA presented a FY26 operating budget submitted May 9 that prioritizes safety, cleanliness and reliability. Key items include a police pay increase and compressed pay steps to retain officers, expanded cleaning for stations and corridors and a redesigned bus network that will expand frequent-service access and include on-demand zones for first/last-mile connections.
Capital projects and World Cup readiness The agency outlined a $561 million FY26 capital program that includes rail car procurement (CQ400 series), AFC2 fare-collection upgrades and station and track work. MARTA reported construction progress on the LaMARTA Rapid A Line and said unexpected underground conditions — shallow utilities, an unplanned parking garage and abandoned trolley infrastructure — have required design changes and a requested contingency increase. MARTA officials said the board approved the contingency in principle and that they expect to operate phase 1 service in April 2026 in time for World Cup travel demands.
Quote from MARTA “MARTA will absolutely be ready for both the Club World Cup this year, and the FIFA World Cup next year,” said MARTA presenter, who added that a mix of station rehabilitation, 12 new trains and service work make readiness likely.
Why it matters Investment decisions and contingency management will shape MARTA’s ability to handle a sharp spike in visitors. The agency described investments intended to increase fare recovery (new AFC equipment and bus fareboxes) and police and real-time monitoring tools to limit crime and respond rapidly.
Next steps MARTA said it will finalize FY26 adoption at its board meeting June 12 and continue public outreach on the bus-network redesign. COUNTY commissioners asked for further ridership targets and follow-up on fare-collection transition risk.
Ending Commissioners said they want periodic reports as projects move from contingency to construction and asked MARTA to return next quarter with updated ridership goals and a status on AFC2 deployment.
