State of MARTA 2025: New train car unveiled as transit leaders look towards future

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority unveiled its new fleet of train cars during its State of MARTA at Lindbergh Station on Jan. 31, 2025. (FOX 5)
ATLANTA - The Council for Quality Growth and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) hosted the 2025 State of MARTA event on Thursday.
The event, attended by over 500 people, including local officials and transit professionals, took place at Lindbergh Station and Uptown Atlanta.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority unveiled its new fleet of train cars during its State of MARTA at Lindbergh Station on Jan. 31, 2025. (FOX 5)
MARTA unveils new fleet
What we know:
MARTA unveiled its new fleet of train cars, developed by Stadler Rail, featuring enhanced lighting, seating, digital displays, charging stations, cameras, and noise monitors. The exterior of the cars is marked by a lighted "smile" in red, gold, green, or blue, indicating the rail line they service. The full fleet is expected to enter revenue service by 2026.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority unveiled its new fleet of train cars during its State of MARTA at Lindbergh Station on Jan. 31, 2025. (FOX 5)
The future of MARTA
What's next:
MARTA's General Manager & CEO, Collie Greenwood, announced a $1 billion investment to enhance all 38 rail stations with improvements such as brighter lights, new seating, deep cleaning, repaving, elevators, and "smart" restrooms. Upgrades are already visible at several stations, including Airport and Five Points. Greenwood also discussed the launch of MARTA Rapid, featuring 60-foot purple electric vehicles, set to debut on Summerhill’s "Rapid A Line" next year, with additional lines planned for various corridors in Atlanta and Clayton County.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority unveiled its new fleet of train cars during its State of MARTA at Lindbergh Station on Jan. 31, 2025. (FOX 5)
Why you should care:
MARTA's initiatives aim to revolutionize the transit experience in Atlanta, providing "safe, clean, and reliable transit to metro Atlantans," as Greenwood stated. The new fleet and station enhancements are part of a broader effort to improve transit safety and performance, with plans for a new communications-based train control system and an automated fare collection system. These developments are crucial as the region anticipates 2 million more residents over the next 25 years, emphasizing the need for a robust transit network.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority unveiled its new fleet of train cars during its State of MARTA at Lindbergh Station on Jan. 31, 2025. (FOX 5)
What is the Council for Quality Growth?
Local perspective:
The Council for Quality Growth, a long-time advocate for transit, convenes the State of MARTA event biennially, bringing together the region’s business community and local leaders. Clyde Higgs, the Council’s 2025 Board Chair, highlighted the importance of transit network growth, while Michael Paris, President & CEO of the Council, stressed the need for increased investment to accommodate the region's growing population.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority unveiled its new fleet of train cars during its State of MARTA at Lindbergh Station on Jan. 31, 2025. (FOX 5)
What they're saying:
Greenwood emphasized MARTA’s role as "the backbone of metro Atlanta’s transit network," with plans to overhaul the existing bus system and seek community input for the NextGen Bus Network. "Transit is a value proposition that continues to increase as time goes on," he stated. The event also featured remarks from Jennifer Ide, Board Chair of MARTA, and other industry leaders, underscoring the collaborative effort to enhance Atlanta's transit infrastructure.
The Source: The Council for Quality Growth and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority were the sources for this article.