By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 16, 2025

MARTA Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt stood before the press last week with a clear message: it’s time for Atlanta’s transit system to deliver “routine excellence.”

At a September 10 briefing, Hunt laid out third-quarter operational updates, customer experience improvements, and a safety strategy from MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher. He emphasized four priorities: improving operational efficiency, strengthening safety and security, advancing major capital projects, and preparing the system for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Staffing and Safety

MARTA plans to be fully staffed with 250 sworn officers by year’s end, adding 30 new officers and 10 Field Protective Specialists (FPS). FPS are customer-facing members of MARTA Police who provide reassurance, assistance, and early response to situations on trains, buses, and at stations.

Hunt said, “Our vision is to deliver safe, clean, and reliable transit through routine excellence every day.

Modern Fare System

Hunt also unveiled details of MARTA’s new fare collection system, AFC 2.0. Riders will soon be able to tap credit or debit cards directly at upgraded faregates or use mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The system will also feature:

Faster, more reliable faregates
New ticket machines that return exact change in bills
Retail partnerships at 240 locations for Breeze card reloads
Modernized bus fare boxes for quicker boarding

The transition is expected to improve convenience and reduce bottlenecks across the network.

Capital Projects and Station Rename

Despite some project delays, Hunt reaffirmed MARTA’s commitment to new railcars, a redesigned bus network, and the region’s first rapid bus line. In May, MARTA’s Board approved renaming GWCC/CNN Center Station to the “Sports, Entertainment & Convention District” (SEC) Station. The new name will officially take effect January 1, 2026—just months before Atlanta hosts the World Cup.

Financial Stability

“MARTA’s financial house is in order,” Hunt said, noting the system’s strong ratings: AA+ from Fitch and AAA from both S&P and Crowell. These top-tier ratings, rare in the transit sector, reflect the agency’s financial discipline and steady revenue.

Leadership Re-alignment

Hunt also announced on September 12 a leadership restructuring. Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen has been promoted to Deputy General Manager, overseeing Customer Experience, Technology, Operations, Planning, Capital Programs, and MARTA Police Services. Larry Prescott will serve as Interim Chief Capital Officer while a national search begins for a permanent hire. Paul Lopes, head of Operational and Urban Planning, will expand his oversight to include all transit operations—bus, rail, paratransit, and streetcar.

“The way to rebuild public trust in MARTA is by delivering routine excellence every day,” Hunt said. “These organizational changes will strengthen accountability, create space for innovation, and enhance service delivery.” With big projects, leadership changes, and safety upgrades moving forward, Hunt framed MARTA’s mission plainly: show riders—daily—that Atlanta transit can deliver.