MARTA awarded $25M federal grant for South DeKalb Transit Hub

ATLANTA –MARTA has been awarded $25 million for construction of the South DeKalb Transit Hub through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Buses and Bus Facilities Program. 

The approximately 2500-square-foot multimodal hub will serve four high ridership bus routes bordering Georgia’s 4^th and 5^th Congressional Districts: Route 15 (Candler Road), Route 186 (Rainbow Way), Route 74 (Flat Shoals), and Route 9 (Boulevard/Tilson Road). Being built adjacent to the Gallery at South DeKalb on Candler Road, and with park-and-ride availability, the hub will provide a safe, sheltered space to catch or transfer buses and purchase fare, and feature real-time service information and SMART restrooms which use technology to keep the facilities safe and maintained.

“We are thrilled to be awarded the full grant amount requested and are grateful to the FTA for recognizing the need for this important transit hub,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “This grant covers almost 70 percent of the funding for this project and supports the improvement of bus facilities and amenities and workforce development in DeKalb.”

“We are grateful for our partnership with CEO Greenwood, MARTA and the FTA who are working diligently to bring this much-needed project to reality,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “The South DeKalb Transit Hub will enhance transit connectivity to employment opportunities and other resources throughout metro Atlanta.”

“This support from the FTA underscores the importance and long-term economic impacts of improving and expanding transit infrastructure and highlights the vital role MARTA continues to play in keeping this region connected and growing,” said MARTA Board Chair Katie Powers.

This investment in transit infrastructure in one of Georgia’s most populous counties is the result of continued strong support from MARTA’s federal delegation, our “Transit Superheroes”, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Senator Warnock and I are delivering this new Federal grant to help families get around DeKalb County and connect more people with health care, jobs, education, and more,” Senator Ossoff said. “Our bipartisan infrastructure law will deliver long-overdue upgrades to Georgia’s infrastructure for years to come.”

“I am proud to join Senator Ossoff in announcing this multi-million-dollar investment in MARTA to construct a safe, sheltered transit hub that will continue to propel Atlanta forward,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “This is about investing in transportation infrastructure for the future, and this win for Georgians demonstrates the power of bipartisan cooperation to deliver tangible results for our communities.”

“I’m pleased to see the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) continue to deliver for the 4th Congressional District,” said Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “Through the Buses and Bus Facilities Grant, more than $25 million being awarded to support the South DeKalb Transit Hub is a game changer. This significant investment will enhance our public transportation infrastructure, creating jobs and improving transit access for our community.”

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said, “I am proud to support this $25 million federal investment in safety and accessibility for MARTA riders in South DeKalb. This funding, made possible by President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, underscores our commitment to advancing transit equity. In partnership with our transit leaders, we will continue building stronger connections to jobs and economic opportunity for everyone—no matter your ZIP Code, no matter your bank account.”

This transit hub in the southern part of one of MARTA’s original partner counties will serve as a vital link for high ridership bus routes, connecting the people of DeKalb with opportunity and each other.

“Congratulations to MARTA on receiving $25 million to support the South DeKalb Transit Hub project,” said Frankie Atwater, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. “This initiative represents a major advancement in our public transportation infrastructure and will become a crucial connection point for key bus routes in DeKalb County. We look forward to its completion in 2026 and the positive impact it will have on our community.”

The South DeKalb Transit Hub was identified in the DeKalb County Transit Master Plan and memorialized in the Rapid Transit Contract and Assistance Agreement 15^th Amendment. The total project investment is approximately $37.5 million, with the remaining funding coming from MARTA’s Capital budget. It is scheduled to open in 2026.