Cleveland Avenue and Metropolitan Parkway Arterial Rapid Transit (ART)
Image Description: The rendering above shows a planned bus stop for Cleveland Avenue and Metropolitan Parkway ART. The enlarged structure shelters customers from the elements and includes real-time arrival signage, a concrete pad, trash receptacles, bike racks, and solar panels where applicable.
Rider Alert – Construction In Progress!
Construction for Cleveland-Metropolitan ART began on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, with crews moving along the corridor in phases, in both the City of Atlanta and the City of East Point. Bus service will continue during construction, but phased bus stop closures will be required along Routes 78 and 95 in both corridors.
City of Atlanta
The following stops on Route 95 (Northbound) are temporarily closed for construction. Please use the closest open bus stop to board and exit.
- Stop #137056 at the north entrance for Atlanta Technical College
- Stop #137074 at Metropolitan Parkway and St. Johns Avenue in front of the Dollar Tree
City of East Point
The following stop on Route 78 (Eastbound) is temporarily closed for construction. Please use the closest open bus stop to board and exit.
- Stop #158084 at Cleveland Avenue and Bayard Street
Construction is expected to last approximately two months at each stop.
As work progresses, there will be intermittent sidewalk closures, temporary bus stop relocations, and short-term traffic impacts. MARTA will provide advance notice for impacts caused by this project ahead of the construction schedule. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the project.
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Current Status
Construction in progress. Expected completion in 2028.
Image description: The graphic above shows a visual representation of ART features including improved service time (15-20 minute schedule), transit signal priority, rapid stop service, and enhanced shelter amenities.
Project Overview
This project is a partnership with the City of Atlanta through the More MARTA program to deliver the Atlanta region’s first ART service. The service will operate along two of our busiest corridors: Cleveland Avenue (Route 78) and Metropolitan Parkway (Route 95). ART service is designed to deliver a faster and more reliable transit experience. Three key features distinguish ART bus service from regular local bus service:
- Transit Signal Priority (TSP): ART buses operate in the same lanes as other traffic, but TSP prioritizes approaching buses at key intersections to allow them to move faster and stay on time. Buses arrive approximately every 15-20 minutes.
- Enhanced shelters: Larger shelters feature better lighting, real-time arrival information, and seating.
- Limited stop service: The service is designed to save time and improve rider experience by having fewer stops than a local route.
This project will improve connectivity, accessibility, and mobility in this high-ridership area.
- The corridors serve the East Point and West End rail stations and through communities with a higher-than-average proportion of residents who are transit-dependent.
- Key destinations include Atlanta Technical College, Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Citi Center Shopping Center, MET Atlanta, Wellstar East Point Health Center, Cleveland Avenue Branch Library, Metropolitan Library, and the Atlanta BeltLine.
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Image Description: The image above shows a map of the Metropolitan and Cleveland ART routes with stops and bus transfer points. The map includes major points of interest including grocery stores and medical facilities. Both ARTs connect to MARTA’s Red/Gold Line trains via West End Station in the north and East Point Station in the south.
Timeline
- August 2023: Design Complete.
- September 2023: MARTA issues an invitation to bid on construction of the project.
- November 2023: One bid response received, but it is deemed non-responsive.
- January 2024: MARTA and City of Atlanta regroup to add additional sidewalk improvements to the project, in order to make the project more attractive to bidders. As a result, this project’s construction start date was pushed out from Fall 2023.
- May 2025: MARTA issues a second invitation to bid on construction of the project.
- September 2025: Second bid closed.
- December 2025: MARTA awarded the contract to BRTU Construction.
- January 2026: Administrative Notice to Proceed was issued.
- October 2026: Site Notice to Proceed was issued for City of Atlanta and City of East Point. Construction begins.
Resources/Documents
Industry Day 2023 (for contractors)
Public Meeting Video
2022 Meeting Documents
2020 Meeting Documents
Image Description: The image above shows renderings of the planned protected crosswalks with accessible ramps, flashing signals, and new concrete pads at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Elsinore Street.
Stay Informed
Stay tuned for more updates on this page and sign up for email updates below.
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Please submit comments regarding the project via email to:
Jonathan Barnett
Project Manager II
jbarnett-ctr@itsmarta.com