1990
JANUARY
Capital City Development Corporation announced a $50,000 grant to MARTA to finance the artwork in the Buckhead Station.
FEBRUARY
MARTA, in conjunction with the Atlanta Public Schools, launched the Algebra Project. This was a new curriculum designed to give disadvantaged children an early start in the field of mathematics.
MARCH
Gilbert Corp. of Delaware was awarded a $4.8 million contract for the construction of East Line extension from Kensington to west of I-285.
APRIL
MARTA's Long Range Planning Committee declared its support for a proposed state policy on public transit, including financial assistance for public transit.
To commemorate its 25th anniversary, MARTA released a new publication, MARTA 2000, which is a summary of what has been accomplished and what needs to be done.
MAY
MARTA declared the safest bus system in the U.S. The Authority has won 11 times since entering the competition in 1974. For four of those years, the Authority's bus fleet was the safest in North America, including Canada.
JUNE
MARTA and UMTA held a public hearing for the North Line Alternatives Analysis/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (AA/DEIS).
JULY
Bruker Design Associates completed the largest custom-designed signage system in the U.S. for MARTA.
The regular fare was increased from 85 cents to $1 effective July 1. Charges for TransCards and parking fees were also adjusted.
More than 450,000 took advantage of Free Ride Day, sponsored by WSB-TV and Georgia Power.
MARTA unveiled details of transit plan for Gwinnett County, a plan developed at the request of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.
Cobb Community Transit tie-in with MARTA pays dividends. Additional job opportunities are now available to residents of Fulton and DeKalb counties.
AUGUST
Through a commodity swap, which stabilizes prices, MARTA saved millions in fuel costs.
SEPTEMBER
Trains began running on an eight-minute headway throughout the system. At the same time, all south-bound trains began running to the airport an all north-bound trains started going to the end of the line at Chamblee.
OCTOBER
MARTA was major selling point in Atlanta's bid to host the 1996
Olympics.
NOVEMBER
At the request of DeKalb County, MARTA looked into the possibility of extending rail service to Stone Mountain, one of the major venues for the 1996 Olympics.
Design of Medical Center Station unveiled during a regular meeting of the Development Committee.
In an attempt to boost ridership, MARTA offered free parking at selected stations during the holiday season.
DECEMBER
Ryland N. McClendon became the first woman to chair the MARTA Board of Directors.
1991
FEBRUARY
MARTA began construction on the Proctor Creek branch.
Avondale red oak replaced. The tree was cut down to make way for the extension of the East Line.
A&P stores throughout Fulton and DeKalb counties joined other businesses to serve as fare media outlets for MARTA.
MARTA signed a commodity swap agreement with First Chicago (First National Bank of Chicago) to stabilize fuel costs for another year.
In an effort to curb operating costs, MARTA modified service on nine under-utilized bus routes.
In conjunction with Atlanta Public School System, MARTA launched the Algebra Project for 1991.
MARCH
About 130 sixth graders from Dunaire and Rowland elementary schools helped design the artwork for the MARTA Indian Creek Rail Station.
The General Manager called for immediate budget cuts, a hiring freeze and an imminent layoff to counter sagging revenues and declining ridership.
APRIL
The Authority announced the elimination of 129 positions, plus other cuts, to save $6.8 million.
MAY
UMTA underwrote a study for a major passenger terminal in downtown Atlanta. The terminal will tie in MARTA, Amtrak, Greyhound and a commuter rail system in one central location.
MARTA offers free rides on "Don't Drive Day." More than half a million, a record crowd, took advantage of free rides on MARTA buses and trains.
MARTA was declared the safest bus system in North America by the American Public Transit Association. This is the fifth time MARTA has won the award.
Pleased with the December free parking experiment, the Board of Directors approved a plan recommending free parking in May.
The Authority approved a $200.6 million operating budget and $167.8 million for capital expenditures for FY'92.
JUNE
Board approved discounted parking as part of a marketing effort to boost ridership.
JULY
MARTA inaugurated express bus service to Zoo Atlanta.
MARTA introduced a weekend Stone Mountain Shuttle.
With the purchase of a weekly TransCard, MARTA gave away 75,000 coupon booklets good for discounts at area restaurants, entertainment spots and shops.
SEPTEMBER
Board approved free parking at all stations except for four parking lots. With the exception of Avondale, Chamblee and the parking decks at Lindbergh and Lenox, parking was free throughout the system until December 31.
In response to EPA requirements, the General Manager reiterated MARTA's commitment to clean air standards and that the Authority's buses would meet the standards by the EPA deadline.
MARTA experimented with vending machines, which dispense weekly and monthly TransCards.
MARTA received a $30 million federal grant to work on a 1.1 mile segment of the North Line.
OCTOBER
The Authority saved $5.3 million by refunding previously issued sales tax revenue bonds.
New ridership record set on the day on the Atlanta Braves parade, the biggest parade in Atlanta's history. Some 500,000 to 750,000 turned out to honor the Braves, the 1991 National League Champions.
NOVEMBER
MARTA considered issuing a special student TransCard for primary and secondary school students in Fulton and DeKalb counties.
DECEMBER
Free parking extended through April 1992.
MARTA held public hearings to solicit comments and suggestions that will help in the development of the Authority's Complementary Paratransit Service Plan.
1992
MARCH
MARTA extended free parking through June except at Avondale, Chamblee and the covered decks at Lindbergh and Lenox stations.
APRIL
MARTA asked heads of federal agencies to participate in the Authority's Employers Transit Incentive Program (ETIP) by underwriting the cost of transportation for their employees.
MARTA announced pending public hearings to consider fare increase.
JUNE
Meeting held to discuss ADA Act of 1990 and solicit public comments and suggestions regarding MARTA's Key Station Accessibility Plan.
MARTA unveiled the design of the Dunwoody Station at a meeting of the Board's Development Committee.
AUGUST
MARTA, in conjunction with the Georgia World Congress Center, financed the construction of a walkway to the new Georgia Dome. Most of the funds, 80%, provided by the federal government.
OCTOBER
MARTA, WSB-TV, and V103/WOAK sponsor a Fall Family Festival. The two-day event is expected to attract more than 40 charities in Fulton and DeKalb counties.
The MARTA Board decided to open the Bankhead Station on December 12th.
DECEMBER
MARTA offered a free ride day to customers boarding trains or buses at the Bankhead Station on Saturday, December 12, the day the station went into service.
Beginning December 12, there will be free parking at all stations except the covered decks at Lindbergh Center and Lenox stations.
Sculpture donated by the Neiman Marcus store at Lenox is installed in the atrium of the headquarters building.
1993
MARCH
New bus shelters are installed throughout Fulton and DeKalb counties. The units are open on 2 sides and tinted brown to protect against outside elements and graffiti.
MAY
MARTA won the William T. Coleman Silver Award for the 1993 American Public Transit Association (APTA) Bus Safety Competition.
The head of the U.S. EPA congratulated MARTA on its pollution prevention efforts.
JUNE
MARTA extended East Line services through Kensington to Indian Creek Station. For the first time, the rail line goes beyond the I-285 perimeter highway.
MARTA Board resumed free parking at all parking lots in the MARTA system.
MARTA's General Manager, Ken Gregor, announced he will resign on April 1, 1994. He had spent 21 years with the Authority, 11 of them as General Manager.
JULY
MARTA's Police Chief, Gene Wilson, was awarded the "Outstanding Chief Award" from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police
AUGUST
MARTA began new service to the Georgia Dome and started a Dome Shuttle bus.
OCTOBER
General Manager Ken Gregor is awarded the "Transit Manager of the Year" by APTA.
A special countdown clock displaying the number of days to the Olympic Games is installed at MARTA's Civic Center Station. This was accomplished through a cooperative agreement with the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG).
NOVEMBER
The FTA awarded MARTA a $18 million grant for the new North line to Sandy Springs.
MARTA introduced photo Ids for the Half-Fare program. The card provides additional identification and ensures only eligible persons use the Half-Fare Card.
1994
JANUARY
MARTA installed electronic passenger information kiosks in 11 rail stations. The kiosks dispense audio information about the system in English, Spanish, German, Japanese and French.
The Authority unveiled its first-ever commemorative transit token, celebrating Atlanta's hosting of the Super Bowl XXVIII.
MARTA created special commemorative monthly and weekly passes for the Super Bowl, in addition to the special transit tokens.
A new covered walkway connects MARTA's Omni/Dome/GWCC Station to the Georgia Dome. Super Bowl Sunday (January 30) marked the first official use.
FEBRUARY
Board of Directors announced that Richard J. Simonetta will be MARTA's new General Manager. He replaces Kenneth Gregor who retired at the end of March. Simonetta was previously General Manager for the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in Columbus, Ohio.
MARTA is named one of "Georgia's Top Engineering Achievements" by the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers.
The Authority is awarded a $10 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration for the purchase of 56 new buses.
MARTA Board of Directors awarded a $22.9 million contract to Ruby Collins, Inc. for the construction of the Medical Center Station. The station is scheduled to open for revenue in June 1996.
MARCH
MARTA's Brave Shuttle began operating from the West End Station instead of Five Points, because of demolition work near Five Points.
APRIL
MARTA and the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) reached a historic agreement making MARTA "The Official Provider of Public Transportation for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games."
MARTA Board of Directors awarded a $21.6 million contract to Balfour Beattly Construction, Inc. for construction of the Dunwoody Station. The station is scheduled to begin revenue service in June 1996.
MAY
MARTA introduced express bus service from the Abernathy Park/Ride Lot to the Lindbergh Center Station.
MARTA won the 1994 Bus Safety Award from the American Public Transit Association. This represents the 16th time MARTA has won the award since 1974.
JUNE
The Authority unveiled special tokens and passes commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Peachtree Road Race. This is the second set of commemorative tokens developed by MARTA.
AUGUST
A specially-minted token commemorating the one-year countdown to the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies is unveiled at a ceremony at Five Points Station.
MARTA's new express bus route #145 began service from Kensington Station to Clifton Road.
SEPTEMBER
MARTA offered 24-hour secured, overnight parking to travelers at Kensington Station.
Board of Directors vote to build one of the nation's largest transit fleets powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), The Authority will have 200 buses in operation by the year 2000.
OCTOBER
MARTA is honored for its efforts to educate the public about mass transit and for organizing community support for improved transit services. This is the second year MARTA won this award from the American Public Transit Association.
NOVEMBER
Sound financial management and a healthy regional economy helped improve the rating for MARTA's sales tax revenue bonds.
1995
JANUARY
MARTA received a Full Funding Grant Agreement in the amount of $305 million for the construction of the North Line to North Springs Station.
A specially-minted token commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus is unveiled at a ceremony at he Lindbergh Center Station.
FEBRUARY
The Authority added 51 new low-floor buses to its fleet, offering patrons an easier way to board buses. Customers no longer have to step up, as the bus has a kneeling feature to and from curbs.
APRIL
MARTA held public hearings on a proposed fare increase. The last time MARTA raised the fare was in June 1992. The increase is prompted by rising costs associated with system expansion, increased security, and cuts in federal operating assistance.
Georgia Public Service Commission approved agreements between MARTA and the Atlanta Gas Light Company for a compressed natural gas bus partnership, which will make MARTA one of the largest public transit fleets powered by CNG by year 2000.
MAY
MARTA sold special one-day unlimited ride pass for Clean Commute Day (May 18) for $1.00.
Design of Sandy Springs Stations is unveiled at a board meeting.
MARTA won APTA Bus Safety Award for the 17th time in the last 18 years.
Georgia House Bill #473 allowing for voluntary payroll deductions of state employees for the purchase of transit passes was approved. This is the first time state employees have money deducted from paychecks for mass transit use.
JUNE
MARTA Board of Directors adopted a fare increase of $1.50 in the Budget, to become effective July 1, 1996. Operating Budget totaled $225 million, and capital budget is set at $297.2 million. Board also approved exterior bus advertising as another source of revenue for the Authority.
The Authority broke ground for the Perry Boulevard CNG Bus Facility, which will house the largest CNG-powered public transit fleets in the country. Plans for the facility to be operational by the Olympics in July 1996.
JULY
First 100 buses covered with exterior bus ads take to the streets. This represents the first time exterior ads have appeared on Atlanta buses since 1971.
AUGUST
MARTA began providing bus service to Atlanta Sports '95 events to train volunteer bus supervisors and support staff for the 1996 Olympic Games.
The Authority teamed with Olympic sponsors, NationsBank and Visa, to create a set of 12 Olympic-themed monthly TransCards to commemorate MARTA's role during the Olympics and create public awareness of MARTA's services. MARTA also began accepting Visa as payment for TransCards.
SEPTEMBER
The name of Brookhaven Station was officially changed to Brookhaven/Olgethorpe University Station, to better reflect MARTA's close proximity to the university.
OCTOBER
The Atlanta Paralympic Organizing Committee, Inc (APOC) named MARTA the "Official Ride to the 1996 Paralympic Games." MARTA was responsible for transporting spectators to witness 3,500 elite athletes with disabilities during the Paralympic Games, August 15-25.
MARTA broke ground for the Decatur Intermodal Bus Facility, which will make it easier for passengers to transfer between bus and trains at Decatur Station. The facility became the centerpiece of a streetscape project in downtown Decatur.
DECEMBER
MARTA began selling Olympic tokens, which celebrate MARTA's role during the Games. The silver tokens - the first of this kind - can be used to ride both trains and buses.
1996
JANUARY
MARTA Board of Directors approved the opening of the new North Line on June 8, 1996, ahead of its original schedule, due to construction work being completed. Initially, revenue service on the North Line was expected to begin on June 22, 1996.
FEBRUARY
The Authority created its own page on the World Wide Web offering information, press releases, bus and rail schedules and routes, and guides on using MARTA during the Olympics. The address is http://www.itsmarta.com.
MARCH
MARTA was the busiest transit system in North America as it completed more than 20 major projects in time for the Olympic Games. Included in the preparations was completion of the North Line, CNG Facility, RideStores, ITS project, escalator rehabilitation, mid-life overhaul, and automatic train announcements.
MAY
For the first time in history, some regular bus routes operated 24 hours a day during the Olympics. Furthermore, all routes operated on a weekday schedule throughout the same period. Almost 30 routes were rerouted out of Five Points, and 29 routes ran around the clock.
MARTA became the first transit system in the world to accept stored value cards. More than 130 turnstiles at rail stations accept Visa Cash, thereby offering customers another payment option.
Board of Directors adopted FY'97 Budget. Operating budget totals $247.6 million and Capital budget is set at $301.1 million. There was no fare increase.
JUNE
Buckhead, Medical Center, and Dunwoody Stations on the new North Line opened for revenue service. Significantly, this represents the first time in MARTA's history a line segment has opened which spans all three funding jurisdictions (City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and DeKalb County). The $363 million project features seven miles of track, three stations, long-term parking, and more than 900 parking spaces.
The new Perry Boulevard compressed natural gas (CNG) bus facility opened. MARTA's new 118 CNG buses will be housed here, as well as CNG buses being loaned to the Authority for the Olympics. The facility will replace Brady Garage.
MARTA's Division of Police Services was granted formal accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). MARTA is only the second transit police force accredited and among only 395 jurisdictions internationally accredited.
An express bus service from the Abernathy Park & Ride lot to Dunwoody Station began operation at customer's request.
JULY
The Decatur Intermodal Bus Facility opened at the Decatur Station, less than one year after ground breaking. This facility makes it easier to transfer between MARTA's two modes of transportation.
To ease the anticipated parking crunch during the Olympics, MARTA secured more than 700 additional spaces for spectators next to the Dunwoody and Lindbergh Stations.
1996 Centennial Olympic Games began. All of MARTA's projects and improvements were completed on time and before the Opening Ceremony. As the Olympic Games Spectator Transportation System, MARTA was responsible for transporting all spectators to Olympic venues. In all MARTA carried 17.8 million passengers in 17 days - a feat that would typically take one month and a half to accomplish. The system was full to capacity almost the entire duration, and MARTA received local, national, and international accolades for its overall success.
July 21
MARTA reached the 10 million passenger on Day 10 of the Olympics. The system had averaged on million passengers a day thus far. It would normally take MARTA 25 days to transport 10 million people. Rail ridership doubled and tripled - and in some cases quadrupled - above the normal ridership of 225,000 passengers.
AUGUST
Paralympic Games took place from August 15-25. An 11 percent increase in ridership was noted during this tie, as MARTA was the "Official Ride to the Paralympic Games." MARTA was accessible to 12 of the 16 venues and operated shuttle service to all athletic events in the Olympic Stadium. MARTA showcased its 100 percent rail system, 82 percent accessible bus fleet, and special L-van service.
On behalf of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, FTA Administrator Gordon Linton visited MARTA to present a $60.3 million check to extend the North Line from Dunwoody to North Springs Station. Mr. Linton commended MARTA employees on their successful Olympic and Paralympic performances.
August 2
MARTA transported 1.3 million passenger this day…the highest ridership in MARTA's operating history. This is almost three times the normal ridership of 475,000.
Throughout the Olympic Games, MARTA demonstrated that it was a noteworthy alternative to the single auto commuter, helped reduce ozone levels by an estimated 30 to 50 percent, increased public awareness of public transportation and acquainted tens of thousands of people with mass transit.
SEPTEMBER
MARTA began a set of four monthly TransCards to celebrate the success of MARTA during the 1996 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
MARTA realigned its organization to better achieve the goals of its Strategic Plan. Eight managers are let go, 12 new positions are created, and nine departments are consolidated into three. General Manager's new title is General Manager/CEO.
OCTOBER
MARTA broke ground for the Sandy Springs Station, which will open for revenue service in December 2000, along with the North Springs Station. Sandy Springs Station will be 27 minutes away from Five Points and 42 minutes from the Airport.
1997
JANUARY
MARTA offers a "Pledge to our Customers," outlining what the Authority will strive for at all times. Placed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Pledge included a report card for riders to complete concerning the level of service and what possible improvements could be made.
MARTA opens a customer hotline to gather information that will be used to solve both immediate and long-range problems.
FEBRUARY
CEO, Rick Simonetta begins Phase I of a tour of buses and trains designed to meet and greet passengers.
MARTA joins forces with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to warn consumers about telemarketing fraud. Public service signs from the FTC were placed on the back of 100 buses and inside of MARTA publication, Rider's Digest.
MARCH
DeKalb officials lobby in Washington for two transit studies. The first would examine the need for a shuttle system around the Perimeter Center area and the second would study expanding MARTA by creating new rail lines along I-285, I-20 and U.S. 78.
APRIL
Material is installed in all stations to alert the blind they are nearing the edge of a train platform. The material provides a sound different from a tile when tapped with a cane and has bumps that can be felt though shoes.
MAY
Planning begins for a police station at College Park Station. The station will include a staff of 10 supervisors and 30 officers patrolling from Hartsfield International Airport to the Garnett Station.
JUNE
Groundbreaking began this month on a second 600-space free parking deck at the Dunwoody station.
JULY
MARTA's board of directors approved a contract to evaluate proposals from developers for the creation of a live-work-and-play community on 46 acres around the Lindbergh Center station.
Board adopts operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 1998, with $262.5 million for the operating budget. According to the budget, MARTA's rail system will operate at a level of 26.6 million annual vehicle miles. The capital budget sets $224 million in program expenditures. The balance will fund a rapid rail development program and a capital improvement program.
AUGUST
Representative Cynthia McKinney obtains 1.5 million in additional funds for the MARTA South DeKalb-Lindbergh Corridor Study. Originally funded $661,000, the money will be spent to study solutions in alleviating traffic congestion in DeKalb/Atlanta communities.
SEPTEMBER
MARTA CEO Rick Simonetta receives the Jesse L Haugh Award, the highest recognition awarded to a transit official by the American Public Transit Association (APTA) for his work in managing Atlanta's transit system during the 1996 Olympic Games and his 27 years in the mass transit industry.
OCTOBER
MARTA plans to add two parking decks at two of its busiest stations. The Dunwoody Station and the Doraville Station decks should be completed by summer of 1998.
NOVEMBER
MARTA will add a fourth long-term, overnight parking facility at its Lindbergh Center Station Parking deck, which will be staffed 24 hours a day and will offer lighted, covered parking.
DECEMBER
MARTA celebrated the ground breaking of its North Springs Station.
1998
JANUARY
MARTA and the Academy Theater launch "Safety is Smarta on MARTA," a program designed to teach elementary school children MARTA's safety rules.
Emory University and MARTA team up to support a light rail study. The study will examine linking the Lindbergh MARTA station, the Emory campus, the Decatur area and south DeKalb County.
MARTA Board of Directors voted to add 100 new rail cars by 2002.
MARCH
Authority officials accept proposals from two local developers to transform the 47 acres surrounding Lindbergh Center to a mixed-use development.
APRIL
MARTA police officer, Andrella Gray receives MARTA and community honors for her rescue of two people trapped in a burning house adjacent to a MARTA rail station.
MAY
Music Midtown brings an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 extra riders.
JUNE
Dunwoody Station opens a 600-space deck, bringing the total number of parking spaces to 1,200.
JULY
MARTA begins a comprehensive 19-month renovation project to replace approximately 50,000 concrete crossties throughout its 46-mile long rail system.
AUGUST
MARTA announces an amendment to its fare structure to include the Transportation Assistance & Employment Project for the Homeless and a $35/month flat rate University Pass TransCard Program.
SEPTEMBER
MARTA to hold four public hearings to solicit comments regarding proposed service modifications on 18 routes. The changes represent an estimated net reduction of $550,000 in annual operating costs.
MARTA reports a 15.7% increase in ridership and a 7.7% increase in passenger revenue compared to July, 1997.
OCTOBER
Discussing rural road construction and maintenance projects, private development, and public/private sector partnerships; MARTA along with the Atlanta Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsored a two week South African Transportation Program.
Longtime former General Manager Ken Gregor is inducted into the American Public Transit Association (APTA) Hall of Fame. During his tenure as GM, MARTA received more than $834 million in Federal dollars for its rail construction effort.
Goodwill reaches a record. The Employee Charity Club of MARTA donates $602,505.79 to more than 200 charitable agencies. The record amount was approximately 20% higher than last year and included 70% of employees.
Senate Appropriations Bill is approved, enabling MARTA to receive approximately $64.1 million in funds. The Bill earmarks $52.1 million for the North Line expansion and $12 million for the acquisition of clean fuel buses.
NOVEMBER
DeKalb County Government joins MARTA's Partnership Program, which offers discount on monthly MARTA Transcards. The program is designed to offer commuting assistance to employees who choose to ride MARTA to work.
MARTA begins reviewing proposals for mixed-use development at Sandy Springs Station.
Twenty-four bus routes are modified as part of MARTA's Comprehensive Bus Study. The study takes into consideration such criteria as economic feasibility, ridership projections, passenger requests and operator suggestions.
DECEMBER
As part of a two-year comprehensive renovation program, MARTA initiates a four-month crossties restoration project between Lenox and Chamblee Stations.
Santa jingles all the way on MARTA from the Airport Station to Woodruff Arts Center. A specially decorated train complete with Santa, elves and entertainment spread holiday cheer.
MARTA unveils outdoor advertising campaign. Six billboards showcase "quick-read" messages that focus on MARTA's clean-fuel Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and MARTA as a solution to Atlanta's traffic congestion.
1999
JANUARY
MARTA announces partnership with BellSouth Corporation to participate in the premier Lindbergh Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The partnership represents the link between transit and communities and aims to provide alternatives to congested highways.
FEBRUARY
MARTA holds two public hearings to solicit comments from the community regarding 14 bus modifications and the addition of three routes.
MARCH
Atlanta Business Chronicle names MARTA's Lindbergh TOD project 1998's Best Mixed-Use (Real Estate) Deal of the Year.
The Third Annual Paratransit Roadeo was held. Twelve Paratransit operators compete in 11 different obstacle events, including wheelchair securement.
APRIL
MARTA partners with the Atlanta Chapter of the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) to provide a five-month computer technology training class to students.
MAY
Clean Commute Day kicks off with a demonstration of the latest clean fuel vehicles and various give-aways to promote clean air. MARTA demonstrates its commitment to the best clean ride in Atlanta and seeks to educate consumers on relieving metro Atlanta's traffic congestion and improving the air pollution problem.
JUNE
MARTA General Manger/ CEO, Richard J. Simonetta is elected to the position of Vice President for North America of the Union Internationale des Transports Publics (UITP) - the International Union of Public Transport. UITP is a worldwide association of urban and regional passenger transport operators, their authorities and suppliers.
JULY
Bus service changes effect 18 routes to improve on time performance.
AUGUST
In a one-of-its-kind venture "The Train, The Plain, the World," Delta Air Lines and MARTA celebrate the opening of a new Delta Air Lines ticketing and baggage counter at the MARTA Airport Station. Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport is the only airport in North America to offer convenient train-to-plane service.
SEPTEMBER
Serving the community doesn't equate to just trains and buses for MARTA. The Atlanta University Center, Inc. along with MARTA host Federal Transit Administrator Gordon J. Linton, to discuss the Livable Communities Initiative.
OCTOBER
MARTA aids 4,500 Hurricane Floyd evacuees return home to Chatham County.
NOVEMBER
MARTA adds additional bus service to Zoo Atlanta to accommodate large crowds visiting the Panda Exhibit.
DECEMBER
The Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors' awarded MARTA the Henry H. Robinson Award. The award is given annually to an individual, institution, or firm who has done the most for Atlanta real estate during the calendar year.
