MARTA announced that the Authority has achieved an operating budget surplus for the second year in a row — recording a surplus of $12.1 million for FY07. This marks only the second time in over 20 years that MARTA has recorded an operating budget surplus for two consecutive fiscal years.

MARTA also ended FY07 with $117.4 million in capital reserves. The capital program funds additions and improvements to infrastructure and supports the Authority's bonding capacity.

As a result of its financial success, MARTA has focused on reinvesting funds into enhancing the quality of service for customers and sustaining upgrades and maintenance to the system. MARTA has increased bus service, added security, cleaning and customer service personnel, and invested in capital improvements such as the Breeze fare collection system and rail car rehabilitation program. These service improvement efforts have contributed to a 4.3% increase in passenger revenue over the last year while helping the Authority to maintain its financial stability.

MARTA experienced a significant boost in ridership in FY07 providing service for 147.5 million passenger boardings — 6.6 percent more than the previous fiscal year. Rail ridership also increased 12.2 percent with 77.7 million passenger boardings. Thanks to the additional ridership, passenger revenue was also up contributing to a budget surplus for the second year in a row.

Numerous system improvements as well as rising gas prices have contributed to an increase in MARTA's ridership. Over the past fiscal year, bus service was increased and the Authority completed installation of the Breeze fare collection system. With Breeze technology, MARTA is now able to collect more accurate ridership data and has increased revenue collections thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and reduced fare evasion. In addition, MARTA's commitment to maintaining the same affordable fare since January 2001 has contributed to an increase in customers.

Don't miss a minute of the action by taking MARTA to see the Falcons, Hawks, Thrashers and Georgia Tech play this fall. For only a $1.75 each way, sports fans can take MARTA conveniently and affordably to all the games. Customers are encouraged to purchase roundtrip fare at the start of their trip to avoid long lines on the return.

MARTA offers over 25,000 free daily parking spaces at rail stations throughout the system. For more information on taking MARTA to the games, call 404/848-5000 or visit the MARTA website at www.itsmarta.com.

Atlanta Falcons
Georgia Dome
Take the East/West line to the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center or Vine City stations.

Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers
Philips Arena
Take the East/West line to the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station.

Georgia Tech Football
Bobby Dodd Stadium
Take the North/South line to the North Avenue rail station and walk three blocks west.

As the official transportation provider for the 1996 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, MARTA was recently called on to relay its experience to Chinese government officials in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. A delegation from the Ministry of Construction for the People's Republic of China visited Atlanta and met with MARTA and key officials to learn about the city's successful transportation plan during this international event.

MARTA representatives and the former managing director of operations for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Morris Dillard, provided an overview of transit construction projects leading up to the event and the development of the comprehensive transportation plan. Tom Weyandt from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) expanded on the presentation with an overview of the transportation services provided for the 1996 Paralympic Games.

In addition, the delegation received a general overview of MARTA's development, technological innovations and financing strategies. The group traveled on MARTA's bus and rail system and toured its state-of-the-art rail services facility, Armour Yard.

In preparation for the 2008 Games, China has worked closely with the United States Department of Transportation, signing a Memorandum of Cooperation as part of its urban transportation plan and visiting the Washington D.C. transit system WMATA.

The Government Finance Officers Association recently presented MARTA's FY06 Annual Report with the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) award for creativity, presentation, understandability and reader appeal. The award recognizes MARTA's efforts to achieve and maintain a well presented Annual Report that provides an accurate and informative overview of its transportation services, programs and finances.

Earlier this year, MARTA's Finance Department also received the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for its FY06 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).