Mayor Kasim Reed announced that Governor Nathan Deal has signed SB 369 into law. This legislation authorizes the City of Atlanta to go to voters this November for approval of what will be the largest expansion of MARTA in the system’s history, generating at least $2.5 billion in revenue through 2057.

“I applaud Governor Nathan Deal for demonstrating his leadership and support for the City of Atlanta today when he signed SB 369 into law,” said Mayor Reed. “I offer my thanks to Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, Representative Calvin Smyre and all the leaders who supported and collaborated with the City to craft this bill, pass it, and today make it law. Atlanta’s residents have spoken loud and clear – they want transit solutions that will allow everyone to fully participate in the cultural and economic life of our city, and for our city to maintain its position as the cultural and economic leader of the Southeast.”

The Atlanta City Council has until June 30, 2016 to call for a referendum on the November ballot. The City of Atlanta will then be able to ask voters for an additional half penny sales tax to fund expansion of the MARTA system, including light rail projects along the Atlanta BeltLine and in other parts of the city. All funds raised from the sales tax must be spent on rapid transit projects within city limits. 

MARTA is already the ninth-largest public transit system in the United States. Expanding the MARTA system and adding light rail will allow the City to address last-mile connectivity, making it easier and more convenient for residents and visitors to use public transit in their daily lives. 

The City of Atlanta in partnership with MARTA expects to begin public engagement sessions around a proposed project list in May.