MARTA Secures $25 Million for South DeKalb Transit Hub Construction
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has been awarded $25 million for the construction of the South DeKalb Transit Hub through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Buses and Bus Facilities Program. This multimodal hub, spanning approximately 2,500 square feet, will service four high-ridership bus routes: Route 15 (Candler Road), Route 186 (Rainbow Way), Route 74 (Flat Shoals), and Route 9 (Boulevard/Tilson Road).
Located adjacent to the Gallery at South DeKalb on Candler Road, the hub will offer park and ride facilities, providing a secure and sheltered area for passengers to catch or transfer buses and purchase fares. Features include real-time service information and SMART restrooms equipped with technology to ensure cleanliness and safety.
MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood expressed gratitude for the funding, noting it covers nearly 70% of the project’s cost, which aims to improve bus facilities and amenities while supporting workforce development in DeKalb County.
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond highlighted the hub’s role in enhancing transit connectivity to employment opportunities and resources across metro Atlanta. MARTA Board Chair Katie Powers emphasized the long-term economic impacts of expanding transit infrastructure, underscoring MARTA’s importance in regional connectivity.
Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock praised the bipartisan effort behind the grant, with Warnock stating the investment represents a commitment to future transportation infrastructure.
The South DeKalb Transit Hub, identified in the DeKalb County Transit Master Plan, will serve as a crucial link for bus routes, enhancing access for the community. The total investment for the project is approximately $37.5 million, with the remaining funding sourced from MARTA’s Capital budget. Completion is anticipated in 2026.
