MARTA Gets Stalled Concessions Program Back On Track

New legislation passed during the recent session of the General Assembly makes way for MARTA to expand its concessions program. According to this week’s Atlanta Business Chronicle, MARTA officials will survey customers to find out what types of businesses and services they would like to see set up shop in rail stations.

“We’re going to be open to a variety  of things,” said MARTA CEO Keith Parker. “We’re going to be cognizant of services that already are around the neighborhoods. But we want the market to drive what’s in the stations.”

The concessions program could eventually evolve into a smaller-scale version of what’s offered at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, including shops and restaurants. Or, to make a rail comparison, Parker points to Union Station in Washington, D.C.

Parker said he expects MARTA to release a request for proposals from vendors in early to mid-June, which will be followed by a series of “industry days” to explain the program to vendors that might be interested in concessions opportunities.

He said he is aiming to get the program up and running in a year to 18 months.

Dave Williams covers government for Atlanta Business Chronicle.