Politics

MARTA’s CEO Talks Lt. Gov.’s Overhaul Plan, Transit’s Future

WABE

May 25th, 2016

MARTA CEO Keith Parker, speaking with Denis O'Hayer on “Morning Edition” (Broadcast Version)MARTA CEO Keith Parker, speaking with Denis O'Hayer on “Morning Edition” (Expanded Version)

Last week on “Morning Edition,” Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, R-Georgia, proposed a major overhaul of the board that governs MARTA, in exchange for state funding –something the transit agency has long wanted, but never received.

While praising MARTA as a great asset, Cagle argued it hasn’t offered any added value lately and is out of step with what consumers want. He said the change in government structure would be a major step in moving forward on the idea of a transit system for the entire Atlanta region. MARTA currently serves Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties.

In the state Legislature, House and Senate study committees will spend the summer looking at the idea of regional transit. And in November, Atlanta voters will decide whether to pay for new MARTA projects with a half-penny sales tax.

Wednesday, MARTA CEO Keith Parker talked with Denis O’Hayer about the lieutenant governor’s proposal, MARTA’s internal improvement efforts and the future of transit in the region.