Strict restrictions on how MARTA spends its revenue mean the system can’t afford to pay for its operating costs. [Waiting for the Train. Creative Commons photo by Wesley Fryer ] The General Assembly voted down Senate Bill 120, which would have allowed MARTA to tap into $65 million in capital reserve funds. Since the system receives absolutely no state funding , it relies heavily on sales tax revenue to stay afloat.

It’s a state restriction that is tying up the much needed money: MARTA is required to spend 50% of its revenue on operating costs and 50% on capital expenses. The really infuriating part of this vote is that the bill failed for reasons that had nothing to do with Atlanta’s transit system. Read more of this story »

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Atlanta Transit Facing Service Cuts