We need your input and help!  MARTA is facing major financial challenges for FY 2011 and future years.  In FY 2011, the Authority’s annual operating budget shortfall is estimated at approximately $120 million – over 30% of our current net operating budget of $399  million.

Given the magnitude of the projected shortfall for the upcoming year and beyond, MARTA has no choice but to seriously prepare for significant transit service cuts and additional fare increases – along with continued depletion of the Authority’s quickly dwindling remaining reserves. 

As reported just last year, MARTA faced a similar shortfall that was only closed through the use of millions of dollars in “one-time” federal stimulus funds, continued erosion of MARTA’s reserves; and close to $30 million in cost reduction measures, including 10-day furloughs, increased employee healthcare contributions, a fare increase, and modest transit service reductions.  Realistically and responsibly, unless and until additional transit funding is approved, MARTA must develop a financial plan that makes it possible for the Authority to “live within its means”.  Unfortunately, with the sharp decline in local sales tax receipts and the overall severe economic downturn, that means a significantly smaller MARTA budget unless new revenue sources are made available.

MARTA’s annual fiscal year begins on July 1^st.  Under State law, the Authority’s Board of Directors must approve a balanced budget no later than June 30^th.  Under both State law and federal regulations, MARTA’s proposed annual budget, including any significant changes to transit services and/or fares are subject to a formal public hearing process.  Typically, MARTA’s proposed annual operating and capital budgets are available for public review and comment during May.  In June 2010, following consideration of public comments, the MARTA Board will approve a FY 2011 Budget.

MARTA is in the process of conducting community meetings as an important part of our FY 2011 Budget Development process.  The first meeting was held at MARTA‘s Administrative Offices conveniently located directly across from our Lindbergh MARTA station on Saturday, February 6^th.  Our next community meetings will be held at Lindbergh on February 20^th with one session in the morning from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and another in the afternoon from 3 pm to 5 pm.  (NOTE:  The same information will be provided at each session so please choose the session that best fits your schedule.)  Information on MARTA’s overall fiscal challenges, legislative requests, potential MARTA service cuts and fare increase alternatives are being presented and reviewed at these meetings.  As importantly, we are utilizing this opportunity to ask for community input before MARTA staff finalize FY 2011 Budget recommendations to the MARTA Board.  A copy of the information that was presented at the February 6^th meeting may be accessed on MARTA’s website at http://www.itsmarta.com/public-hearing-and-meetings.aspx.   

Following the February 20^th meetings, community meetings have been scheduled for March 1 at the Maloof Auditorium, 6 pm to 8 pm and March 2 at the Adamsville Recreation Center, 6 pm to 8 pm. Additional community meetings will be scheduled on March 8 and 9 (locations to be determined) so that we sponsor meetings in each of our member jurisdictions before the formal public MARTA Budget Hearings.  The locations, dates and times for those meetings will be posted on the MARTA website. 

Thank you in advance for your interest and support of MARTA and quality regional public transit.