MARTA Board Votes on Fare Hikes, 2012 Budget Today

On Wednesday, the board of directors of the Metropolitian Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will vote to adopt the proposed fiscal year 2012 operating and capital budgets, which includes several significant fare increases.

The overall budget plan includes an operating budget of almost $414 million, a capital budget totaling $185.5 million and $143.7 million in debt service.

The hearing on the budgets will be held at 11 a.m. at MARTA headquarters, 2424 Piedmont Rd.

Since announcing the budget proposal in late April, residents have debated the plan to raise the costs of several fares to cover the budget.

If passed, MARTA would increase the cost of a regular one-way ticket from $2.00 to $2.50. (The last increase in took place in 2009 when fares went from $1.75 to $2).

In addition, commuters who regularly use the service would see a nearly 40 percent increase. The cost of a weekly pass is proposed to escalate to $23.75 from $17. A monthly pass would jump to $95 from the current $68.

MARTA officials say the budget ensure long-term stability.

If approved, fare increases will take effect on Oct. 2.

Riders in southwest Atlanta and across the metro area have complained that the increase is untimely because of the economy and dramatic gas price increases over the last year.

"I don't think they should do it," Marvin Browley, a West Lake rider, told Cascade Patch last month.  "I usually take the train because it's cheaper but now gas done went up so high, with a raise it looks like ain't nothing going right."

Citizens can view copies of the proposed 2012 MARTA budget along with fare changes on the MARTA website, www.itsmarta.com or by visiting MARTA's Office of External Affairs during regular business hours.  Commuters can also voice their opinion and receive information on upcoming changes by leaving a message on MARTA's comment line, 404-848-5299.

This chart includes the proposed fare increases:

Fare Media

Current

Proposed FY2012

Base Fare

$2.00

$2.50

Reduced Fare

$.090

$0.95*

Mobility Base

$3.60

$3.80*

Weekly Pass

$17.00

$23.75

Monthly Pass

$68.00

$95.00

Mobility Pass

$115.00

$122.00*

TMA Discounts

0% to 10%

No Change

Children

Free with Adult

(Height Requirement 46” Max 2)

No Change

*THESE INCREASES ARE BASED ON FY 2010 PROPOSALS TO INCREMENTALLY RAISE FARES FOR SENIORS AND DISABLED CUSTOMERS