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Project Update
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MARTA Rapid SR 54

Introduction

MARTA’s new bus rapid transit (BRT) service, called ‘Rapid,’ is designed to offer a premium, high-capacity transit service along the SR 54 corridor. Expect fewer stops, enhanced amenities, and dedicated transit lanes to ensure quicker and more reliable travel.

MARTA Rapid SR 54, spanning an approximate 25-mile route, will enhance north-south mobility within Clayton County and improve connectivity to regional destinations, such as:

  • MARTA East Point Station
  • Atlanta Airport (International Terminal)
  • Hapeville
  • Forest Park
  • Fort Gillem
  • Clayton State University
  • Southlake Mall
  • Jonesboro
  • Lovejoy
View the Project Fact Sheet

Purpose and Need

MARTA Rapid SR 54 project will explore solutions to:  

  • Improve access to jobs
  • Enhance north-south mobility
  • Accommodate growing demand for transit 
  • Support land use and economic development plans

Each of these objectives is crucial towards achieving more connectivity and access for residents and businesses in Clayton County.

Project Update

MARTA is conducting a comprehensive planning study to evaluate potential BRT options along the SR 54 corridor. Given the corridor’s length and complexity, MARTA is exploring potential phasing and funding scenarios for project delivery. This includes identifying the most viable segments to prioritize based on ridership, cost, and constructability.

Key questions to answer include:

  • What segment(s) has the best chance of receiving federal funding?
  • How will the project integrate with Rapid Southlake?
  • What project elements can be initiated now?
  • Where are opportunities for transit-oriented development?

SR 54 Planning Process to Adopt a Locally Preferred Alternative

BRT Planning & Evaluation - Winter-Summer 2024, Develop BRT routing, stations, and service plans; Analyze costs, ridership, and impacts with emphasis on federal funding readiness
Phasing Analysis & Recommendations - Fall 2024-Winter 2025, Evaluate segments to prioritize for federal funding; Explore early improvements and incremental implementation of BRT; Identify short- and long-term timelines and funding sources
Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) - Spring 2025, Based on evaluation results and community input, identify the LPA and funding strategy for adoption by the MARTA Board
Alternatives Overview map with phasing/segments

Next Steps

The next steps involve detailed analysis to address the above questions. The results of this analysis, combined with community input, will inform the recommendation for the Rapid SR 54 LPA.