The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced the award of a $750,000 grant to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to advance efforts in partnership with the City of Atlanta to prepare for equitable redevelopment in historically underserved communities along the future MARTA Rapid Campbellton line. 

MARTA completed a TOD Master Plan for the corridor in 2023, and the FTA grant will support the development of a plan to implement the recommendations and help identify possible sources of public and private funding for development. 

“We’ve been working on TOD planning along the Rapid Campbellton line because we know from past experience that development often happens before construction has begun,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “We’ve developed a vision for the type of density and equitable development that will support transit along the Campbellton Corridor, and this FTA grant will help us create an implementation plan that will bring that vison into a reality.” 

“Transportation and housing are the two biggest costs for most Americans,” said FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “This funding will help MARTA reach more homes and grow the economy while helping people access housing options that are more affordable. FTA has a simple message for communities across this country: if you are building good projects well, you will have the support of this Administration.”

“The City of Atlanta is leveraging the planned investment along the MARTA Rapid Campbellton line to catalyze improvements in housing, education, health, and public safety,” said Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisory to the Mayor, City of Atlanta. “This generous grant from the FTA will accelerate these efforts and ensure equitable development along the corridor.” 

MARTA Rapid Campbellton is a 6-mile, center-running bus rapid transit line connecting Oakland City Station to a new Greenbriar transit hub, terminating at the Barge Road park-and-ride. The FTA funded study along the route will focus on opportunities to address food insecurity, affordable housing, the unsheltered, economic development, education, greenspace, stormwater management, and transit accessibility. 

MARTA’s nationally recognized TOD Program aims to create transit-integrated, pedestrian-friendly communities to increase ridership, generate revenue, and support local and regional economic development. 

MARTA has completed successful TOD projects at Edgewood/Candler Park, King Memorial, and Avondale rail stations. A groundbreaking for the Kensington TOD was held last fall and a community celebration and unveiling for the TOD plan at Indian Creek Station this past weekend. TOD planning studies continue at H.E. Holmes and Bankhead Stations, and on future Rapid lines Clayton Southlake, Clayton SR54 and Clifton Corridor.