FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May
4, 2021
MARTA SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON NEW RAIL CAR DESIGN
Public Encouraged to “Decide Their Ride,” Help Shape Regional
Transit Look for Generations to Come
ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid
Transit Authority (MARTA) is seeking public input on
many of the interior features that will be designed into the fleet of new rail
cars, the first of which will arrive in metro Atlanta in 2023. While some
interior elements of the rail car have been decided—for example, each pair of
cars will have an open gangway—there are a variety of design solutions for
other elements.
Daily riders, occasional riders
and potential future customers can navigate to a crowdsourcing platform through
the MARTA homepage, at www.itsmarta.com/yourride or on MARTA’s social media
pages. Participants can express their priorities and preferences by voting on
options for seating, luggage storage, bike areas, maps/wayfinding,
handrails/stanchions, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility. In the coming months, the public will be asked for input on
exterior features of the new rail cars.
“Most importantly, these new
rail cars will provide a safer, more efficient ride, improving reliability and
reducing rail delays caused by the aging fleet,” said MARTA General Manager and
CEO Jeffrey Parker. “We also want these trains to be comfortable, look good,
and have all the bells and whistles that make riding convenient and enjoyable.”
MARTA entered a contract to
purchase 254 rail cars from Stadler US in November 2019 for $646 million,
representing the single largest procurement for either organization, and a
milestone in MARTA’s capital improvement program aimed at more efficient
performance and enhanced customer experience.
The new rail cars will complement other
investments aimed at enhancing the customer experience such as a new station
audio-visual information system, systemwide elevator and escalator upgrades,
restroom modernization, and rehabilitation and restoration program to refresh
MARTA rail stations.
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