MARTA’s FY12 budget approved with fare increase, security enhancements

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Board of Directors voted to approve its Fiscal Year 2012 operating and capital budgets, which include a base fare increase from $2 to $2.50, some bus service improvements, system-wide security enhancements and safety and state-of-good-repair initiatives. The board adopted an operating budget of $413.76 million, a capital budget totaling $185.5 million and $143.7 million in debt service. "Unfortunately, the economic downturn has taken its toll on MARTA's finances and with the cost of doing business continuing to go up, a fare increase is required in order to maintain current bus and rail service levels for our customers," said MARTA Board Chairman Jim Durrett. Chairman Durrett went on to say that the MARTA Board has worked to reduce internal costs, cutting $100 million from its budget over the past three years and raised additional revenues through innovative vending and advertising programs. After hearing from more than 260 community members during the public hearing and comment process, the MARTA board adopted a budget focused on stabilizing its financial condition and maintaining current service levels. Along with the base fare change, the cost of weekly and monthly passes will increase. MARTA will also continue to stagger increases for Mobility base fare.