Clifton Community Partnership

Five Questions article:
Five Questions: Dr. Beverly Scott, General Manager, MARTA
May 30, 2008
Source: Community Partnership Update/March 2008

1. Last fall, you arrived in Atlanta to lead MARTA after serving as general manager for the Sacramento Regional Transit District. What can the Clifton community expect from MARTA in the next few years?

Expanding MARTA rail services in the Clifton community is one of the top priorities we are exploring (as well as new lines along the Beltline, I-20 East and West). We are entering the ‘alternatives analysis’ phase where we study various proposed traffic options in detail. This could take 18 months and includes cost/benefit, ridership, environmental and social impact analysis, all with public input.

An environmental impact study will also need to be prepared, possibly in conjunction with the alternatives analysis. The alternatives analysis phase will end with the selection of the locally preferred alternative – the actual route for the transit, as well as the mode, or kind of transit.

2. How long will it take to receive federal funding?

The entire federal funding process could take up to 10 years.

3. What can happen in the near term?

We’ve started a ‘system reengineering study’ that will run for the next 14 months. The goal is to see how we can make the services we have today more effective without any additional funding. An example might be improving circulation systems by using smaller buses to increase MARTA access in some communities where larger buses cannot run.

4. Why did you choose to come to Atlanta and lead MARTA?

Great cities have great transit systems. Atlanta is positioned with both the public desire for transit solutions, as well as a ‘best in class’ attitude. In order to remain a global competitor, we must continue to grow our transit system.

We haven’t grown our transit network, while other cities have, and that is a problem. However, we are the ninth largest transit system in the country and the envy of most cities.

5. How often do you ride MARTA?

I try to ride it daily. We are a service to metro Atlanta, and in my position I need to share the customer’s experience. I encourage my staff to do the same.