MARTA could run the Beltline

MARTA took a step closer this week to a leading role in the Beltline’s mass transit project.

The Beltline is a proposed 22-mile loop of transit, trails and parks around Atlanta’s urban core. There’s no final decision on who will build and run the transit line, but MARTA officials have made no secret of their desire to take it on, saying MARTA is already experienced and qualified.

On Tuesday, the MARTA board voted to negotiate a contract with the Atlanta Development Authority and Atlanta Beltline, Inc. to determine MARTA’s role in the Beltline. According to the agreement, which the authority and the Beltline have also approved, MARTA’s role may be as “manager, operator or otherwise” but will be determined in the negotiations. For six months only MARTA has the right to negotiate with them on the matter.