While many transit agencies around the country have increased fares in recent months to deal with budget deficits, Atlanta's MARTA has reported good financial news and has even proposed a 2015 budget that expands rail service.
"The $415.6 million operating budget [for 2015], which takes effect July 1, calls for a 19 percent increase in rail-service hours, a goal that will be met by reducing waiting times for trains to no more than 10 minutes during the morning and afternoon peak periods," reports Dave Williams.
According to MARTA officials, the agency is on sound financial ground after running int h red three years ago, "forcing the system to significantly deplete its reserves and increase the base fare from $2 to $2.50."
The news has gained the attention of the bond market: Moody’s Investors Service upgraded MARTA bonds to Aa3 last month, and the agency voted to refinance $286 million in previously issued bonds.
FULL STORY: New MARTA budget to step up service
Atlanta City Leaders Call on MARTA to Expand Weekend Service
The city is set to host multiple major sporting events in the next several years, prompting calls for expanded transit service on weekends and to popular areas.
MARTA Could Make the Atlanta Streetcar Free Again
They say if you love something, you should set it free.
Comparing Bus Fares to Minimum Wage
A bus fare doesn't exist in a vacuum. To understand the true cost of a transit ride, one report compared bus fares to the local minimum wage, revealing Atlanta, Dallas, and Salt Lake City to have the highest fares.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing
The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.
Cities and States Taking Action to Limit Rent-Setting AI
Federal prosecutors are charging a software company with using algorithms to artificially inflate rents.
BART to Raise Fares in January
The transit agency says it needs more state and federal support to meet its operating costs and avoid a growing budget gap.
Montreal Bike Share Breaks Ridership Record With 13 Million Rides
The Bixi system introduced a winter pilot project last year, leading to a rise in winter cycling.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Los Alamos County
City of Culver City
Skagit Transit
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners