The ongoing expansion of MARTA’s Rapid A-line project is creating tension between MARTA and city officials in Atlanta over significant budget increases.
This project, primarily funded by the city’s half-penny More MARTA sales tax, has seen its costs balloon from an initial estimate of $58 million to a staggering $122.9 million.
In light of this escalation, the city has expressed the need for more detailed financial information before agreeing to the budget increase.
Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Burks highlighted this in a recent letter to the Atlanta City Council and the city’s appointees on MARTA’s board, stating, “It would be highly irresponsible for the city to agree to substantially increase a single project budget by tens of millions of dollars without the detailed, requested information on that project.”
MARTA is expected to provide a breakdown of budgeted versus actual expenditures on the A-line and three other projects as requested by the city.
The Rapid A-line, designed to connect downtown Atlanta with the Southside Beltline trail, is the first rapid bus line in the metro area.
This nearly five-mile loop traverses neighborhoods such as Capitol Gateway, Summerhill, and Peoplestown, operating with fewer stops and dedicated lanes similar to a rail system.
Despite the project’s promise, its financial trajectory has raised concerns.
Originally estimated at $58 million, the cost revised to $61 million during the design stage.
However, it quickly spiraled to $91 million and now stands at $122.9 million.
Only a $12.6 million federal grant is available to assist with funding, leaving local sources to cover the rest.
MARTA board member Abhay “A.J.” Joshi, who oversees the agency’s expansion projects, attributed much of the cost increases and delays to unexpected construction discoveries.
Crews found unmarked water lines when construction began on Hank Aaron Drive, causing significant complications in downtown sections of the route.
Joshi described these water lines as “spaghetti” courses across south downtown, complicating planning processes, which relied on inaccurate maps from the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management.
MARTA’s Chief Capital Officer, Carrie Rocha, noted that these water lines were not designed to any standard, adding to the project’s unpredictability.
Additionally, an underground parking garage that was absent from maps further complicated construction efforts.
To mitigate future surprises, MARTA has started employing ground-penetrating radar to investigate what lies below the surface in sections yet to commence construction.
Early scans suggest more obstacles could emerge, extending the timeline further.
According to More MARTA protocols, when projects exceed 10% of their projected budget, both MARTA’s board and city officials must approve the hike formally.
Burks mentioned that MARTA sought city approval for the budget overruns for the first time on Monday, leading to further discussions on Wednesday.
The revised budget requires city endorsement before reaching MARTA’s full board.
Time is critical, as MARTA officials have indicated that this approval process is necessary to issue change orders and continue funding the remaining work.
Failure to secure the budget before May could jeopardize MARTA’s ability to utilize the remaining federal funding, forcing the agency to rely on local funding to cover expenses instead.
The federal grant of $12.6 million must be fully expended by September 30, with over $4 million remaining.
MARTA spokesman Payson Schwin stated that timely construction starting in May is essential for full utilization of the federal funds.
Completion of the entire Rapid A-line project is now anticipated by fall 2026, still facing further scrutiny and potentially phased services.
Joshi mentioned that a partial rollout of service could be in place by April 2026, well ahead of the World Cup.
Aiming for the public’s benefit, the remaining segment of the project is expected to open in September of the same year.
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