MARTA Compromise Clears House, Senate

ATLANTA, GA -- A bill touted as a compromise measure for a bid to expand MARTA received final passage just hours before the Georgia General Assembly wrapped up the final day of the 2016 legislative session.

The bill received final passage when the Senate agreed to changes made by the House to Senate Bill 369.

That bill, which was originally designated as another bill related to fireworks, allows for the city of Atlanta to propose a ballot referendum for a special purpose sales tax to fund MARTA projects or expansion. It would also allow Fulton County to levy a tax for various transportation needs.

“This compromise is the result of a lot of people coming together to find a solution,” said State Sen. Brandon Beach. “I want to thank House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones for her leadership in this process. The plan that will now go to the voters is truly a win-win situation for Atlanta, Fulton County and MARTA.”

The exact list of MARTA projects will be set at least four months before the measure is voted on in November 2016.

The bill received final passage on the final day of the 2016 legislative session.