Atlanta, October 6, 2025

News Summary

Atlanta News First is hosting a town hall focused on the future of public transportation in Atlanta. With rising traffic issues and a recent study ranking Atlanta as the 8th worst city for congestion, the event will feature discussions on improving MARTA ridership, enhancing light rail, and future transportation projects. Notable panelists include MARTA’s interim CEO and representatives from the Mayor’s office. The town hall will be held at the Central Library on Tuesday at 7 PM and aims to engage citizens in dialogue about the pressing transit issues.

Atlanta

Atlanta News First is hosting a town hall titled “Future of Transit in Atlanta” on Tuesday, aimed at addressing the pressing issues related to MARTA and regional transportation. The free event will take place at the Central Library in downtown Atlanta at 7 p.m., and limited seating is available, with some tickets remaining.

Transportation is a critical issue for residents, with the average Atlantan spending 65 hours in traffic each year. This statistic makes Atlanta the 8th worst city for congestion in the U.S., as reported in a 2024 INRIX study. The town hall will focus on ways to improve MARTA ridership, expand light rail on the Atlanta’s Beltline, and enhance public transportation initiatives in Cobb and Gwinnett counties.

The discussion will be led by MARTA’s interim CEO, Jonathan Hunt, who is expected to provide insights into the ongoing search for a new CEO/General Manager following the retirement of the former leader due to immigration issues. Hunt will also outline plans to enhance MARTA’s daily operations and safety protocols.

Additionally, Courtney English from Mayor Andre Dickens’ office will participate in the panel discussion to address a new $5 billion neighborhoods initiative. This initiative will include $2 billion in transportation funding aimed at:

• Adding light rail along the Beltline’s southside trail
• Adding four new MARTA infill stations
• Extending Atlanta’s streetcar service

Other notable panelists include Deborah Scott from Georgia STAND-UP, Matthew Rao from Beltline Rail Now, and Hans Klein from Better Atlanta Transit. A recent survey conducted by the Atlanta Regional Commission in 2024 revealed that 64% of respondents believe improved public transportation is “very important,” while only 7% deemed it “not important at all.”

The town hall event will also be accessible to a wider audience as it will be aired live and will subsequently stream on ANF+ later in the month. This event aims to engage Atlanta citizens in meaningful dialogue regarding the future of transportation in their city.

Key Event Details

• Event Title: Future of Transit in Atlanta
• Date: Tuesday
• Time: 7 PM
• Location: Central Library, Downtown Atlanta
• Tickets: Free, limited seating available

Transportation Statistics

• Average hours spent in traffic: 65 hours annually
• Traffic congestion ranking: 8th worst city in the U.S.

Survey Insights

• Importance of improved public transportation: 64% of respondents say “very important”
• Respondents who deem it “not important at all”: 7%

Funding Initiatives

• Neighborhoods initiative: $5 billion
• Transportation funding: $2 billion

Panelists

• Jonathan Hunt – interim CEO of MARTA
• Courtney English – Mayor Andre Dickens’ office
• Deborah Scott – Georgia STAND-UP
• Matthew Rao – Beltline Rail Now
• Hans Klein – Better Atlanta Transit

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Additional Resources

• Atlanta News First: Future of Transit in Atlanta Town Hall
• WSB TV: MARTA Bus Rapid Transit Updates
• Axios: MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood Departs
• Wikipedia: Public Transport in Atlanta
• Bond Buyer: MARTA Transit Leadership Challenges

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.