MARTA tells Fulton County commissioners about streetcar outage, Better Breeze fare system and NextGen bus launch

Jonathan Hunt, interim general manager and CEO of MARTA, presented the transit agency’s quarterly update to the Fulton County Board. He said ridership has rebounded toward pre‑pandemic levels across modes and previewed multiple capital projects and service changes.

Hunt said the Atlanta streetcar was out of service while Georgia Power finishes below‑ground utility work; MARTA is working with Georgia Power and currently anticipates a January 12 return to service, though that date depends on Georgia Power’s schedule. He highlighted progress at Airport Station (second elevator), the installation of pantographs on the rapid route, paving and drainage work on the downtown loop and progress on the 5‑Points station transformation (plaza level and below‑grade rehabilitation phases) and signage and lighting improvements.

Hunt also previewed the Better Breeze fare‑payment system (contactless payments at gates and on buses) and the NextGen bus network launching April 18, 2026, which will increase corridor frequency and add 12 on‑demand REACH zones. He noted a New Flyer battery recall affecting bus batteries nationally and described MARTA’s mitigation efforts.

Commissioners asked for follow‑up materials on ridership impacts, safety and patrol plans for 5‑Points, timelines for Campbellton/Greenbrier final design, and capital costs associated with recent projects. Hunt said MARTA will provide supplemental slides and data to commissioners’ offices and continue public outreach leading into the system changes.