MARTA’s Improved Web Links (7/1/05)

New & Improved Partnership Program Web Link
The Partnership Program has a new look on MARTA's Web site. Not only is the link newly designed, but offers visitors more program detail, the ability to download program forms and a link to metro Atlanta Transportation Management Associations and other industry agencies for commute alternatives. You can visit the link by going to www.itsmarta.com and clicking on the "employer partnerships" link or go directly to www.itsmarta.com/partner/index.htm.

2006 MARTA Budget Approved (7/5/05)

MARTA's Board of Directors Approved FY06 Budget
As you have already heard, the MARTA Board of Directors approved a $770.7 million Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2006, which begins on July 1, 2005. Among other budget challenges MARTA's management team worked hard to avoid elimination of the Partnership Program discount. After careful consideration of your comments and concerns, staff recommended a slight reduction in the Partnership Program discount structure. MARTA fare will not change from the current $1.75 one-way fare. The following fare structure is based on the current monthly TransCard price of $52.50 and will be effective January 1, 2006 for the Partnership Program:

For complete details on the FY06 budget visit www.itsmarta.com and click on "Latest Headlines 7 Other News."

MARTA Summer Renovations and Breeze Update (7/5/05)

July Track Renovation Schedule
MARTA will conduct track renovations on both the North/South Line and the East/West Line on weekends during the month of July, with the exception of the weekend of July 4th and the weekend of July 16-17. During the weekends of July 9-10, July 23-24 and July 30-31, trains will operate every 15 minutes on the North/South Line, and every 20 minutes on the East/West Line. Anyone traveling from North Springs to the Airport or from the Airport to North Springs will have to change trains at Lindbergh Center. Trains will depart from the Northbound platform at West End and Garnett Stations. Single tracking will occur on the East/West line through Dome/GWCC/Phillips Arena/CNN Center, Five Points, Georgia State, and King Memorial stations. Bankhead (Proctor Creek Line) trains will travel between Bankhead Station and Ashby Station only. The Bankhead trains will operate on a normal 15-minute schedule. This schedule is subject to change so be sure to visit www.itsmarta.com for updated information.

Breeze Update
MARTA is in the process of moving to a new fare collection system. The new Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system, Breeze, will provide MARTA patrons with a new faregate structure and a new way to purchase fare media system-wide. Many recent station improvements are underway in preparation for the new Breeze Card AFC System. Station modifications have been completed on 13 of 38 stations and work underway at 14 additional stations. The next three stations scheduled for modifications are Lenox, Dunwoody and North Springs. The modifications include electrical modifications and preparations for new stainless steel fare barriers. The new fare collection system is targeted for full implementation in July 2006. Fore more detail visit: www.itsmarta.com/breeze.htm

Environmental Protection Division’s Area Open Houses (7/6/05)

“State Air Quality Implementation Plan (SIP)” Open Houses

Clayton County

When: Thursday July 21, 2005 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: EPD, Atlanta Tradeport at 4244 International Parkway Suite 116 in Atlanta, GA.

Floyd County

When: Thursday July 28, 2005 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Rome Civic Center at 400 Civic Center Dr. inRome, GA.

Bartow County

When: Thursday August 11, 2005 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Cartersville Civic Center at 435 West Main St. in Cartersville, GA.

Hall County

When: Tuesday August 16, 2005 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Georgia Mountain Center in Meeting Room A at 301 Mainstreet in Gainesville, GA.

Walker County

When: Thursday August 25, 2005 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Walker County Civic Center 10052 Highway 27 in Rock Spring.

Carroll County

When: Thursday September 1, 2005 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Carroll County at the Administrative Building Commission Chamber 423 College St. in Carrollton, GA.

Bibb County

When: Thursday September 8, 2005 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Macon State College Rehearsal Hall in the Humanities and Social Science Building 100
College Station in Macon, GA.

Newton County

When: Thursday September 15, 2005 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Where: Dekalb Technical College Auditorium 16200 Alcovy Road in Covington, GA.