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“MARTA REPORTS TO THE PEOPLE IT SERVES...”
RAPID TRANSIT
PROGRESS
METROPOLITAN ATLANTA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY
VOL. 3, NO.
MARTA-ATS BUSES ARRIVE
Ten of the most modern buses ever built, and the only
buses of their kind anywhere, were delivered to eager Atlan-
tans July 1, 1968. The arrival of these new buses was especially
significant because it marked the first of many anticipated joint
efforts between the Atlanta Transit System, who is leasing and
operating the buses, and MARTA, which purchased the buses.
The buses were officially welcomed in a brief ceremony by
Richard H. Rich, MARTA Chairman; William P. Maynard,
President of Atlanta Transit System; and C. J. Jacobs, President
of Local #732, which represents the drivers.
Mr. Maynard noted that “the buses would immediately be
put into service, to serve riders on routes throughout the city,
and give everyone the opportunity to enjoy and inspect the
new vehicles in air-conditioned comfort.”
The buses, which were built by General Motors, were pur-
chased by MARTA under competitive bidding procedures, and
will be leased to the Transit System over a period of ten years.
Revenue to MARTA from the lease will pay both the principal
and the interest.
Mr. Rich outlined the reasons for the purchase. “It is es-
sential to the development of rapid transit for Metropolitan:
Atlanta that a balanced system of transit be developed, includ-
ing fully coordinated bus transportation.”
He noted that under the terms of the lease agreement, the
Transit System will furnish MARTA with information as to
patronage, routes and other information helpful to MARTA
in its studies of a bus feeder system.
“Through this rapid transit project,” Mr. Rich concluded,
—_—_— a
-_> — :
“a BS oe
MARTA Chairman Richard H, Rich, in driver's seat, hands
keys to ATS President William P. Maynard.
“MARTA can contribute immediately to relieve some of the
transit pressure, and can meanwhile gather much valuable in-
formation in regard to the coordination of such facilities in the
future.”
A prototype of the new vehicles, the first of its kind tested
anywhere, has operated in Atlanta since last fall and greatly
exceeded expectations in terms of performance and public ac-
ceptance. Each bus is powered by a big, new 338 H.P., V-8
engine that replaces the standard 238 H.P., V-6 formerly
standard in city buses. The greater size of this new engine
makes it equal to the task of operating faster and more effi-
ciently in all types of traffic conditions, while powering the
air-conditioning system to deliver thermostatically controlled
comfort.
These unique new 47-passenger buses also feature the latest
in appearance and comfort styling. New, super-soft foam seats
of special design, are two inches wider than standard with
higher seat backs to afford passengers greater comfort and leg
room. Interiors are tastefully color-harmonized in a fresh,
modern decor.
Riding comfort has been increased by a more advanced
suspension system and new super V-8 transmission that allows
smooth shifts under full engine power and an overdrive feature
which cuts-in at speeds over 40 m.p.h. Coupled with the new
power plant, the vehicles are capable of highway speeds up to
65 m.p.h., with an increase in operating economy.:
The buses which are now in service will be used on various
routes throughout the entire system.
The ten MARTA-owned, ATS-operated air-conditioned buses
were placed into service immediately throughout the transit
system.
JUNE-JULY, 1968
5
MARTActTIoN
At its May meeting, the MARTA Board of Directors
agreed to purchase ten air-conditioned buses and lease them
to the Atlanta Transit System. The money to buy the buses
would be borrowed from a local bank, and the revenue from
the lease would be sufficient to pay both principle and inter-
est. (See story on Page 1.)
The Board also agreed to perform additional studies on
a Model Cities line for approximately $30,000.00 and on
a Buckhead Alternate for approximately $9,500.00.
The Board confirmed the appointment of Mr. Ed Gil-
crease of Parsons Brinckerhoff-Tudor-Bechtel as MARTA
representative to work with the Alan Voorhees firm in the
Atlanta Area Transportation Study.
At its June meeting, the Board was advised that the
General Motors Corporation was the low bidder on the
purchase of the ten air-conditioned buses, at $38,728.68 per
bus. with delivery charges specified separately at $300.54
each. The Board, by resolution, accepted the General Motors
Corporation bid.
General Manager Henry L. Stuart recommended a num-
ber of additional planning programs as a result of the recent
series of public hearings. Stuart reported that the general sen-
timent expressed at the 12 public hearings conducted in late
April and in May was favorable toward the routes and sta-
tion locations which had been proposed by the engineering
consultants.
Stuart stated that a number of recommendations had been
made for modifications, extensions, and additions to the pro-
posed routes. He recommended that MARTA “undertake a
planning program similar in refinement to what is required
under Section 701 of the Housing Act of 1954 to examine
the possibilities of the following:
1. A line towards the Perry Homes area in Northwest
Atlanta.
2. An extension of the West line to Fulton Industrial
Boulevard.
3. An extension of the East Lime past 1-285.
4, A line towards South DeKalb County. This line needs
only to be studied sufficiently at this time to identify
potential corridors. There is no need as yet to per-
form patronage studies.”
Stuart’s proposal was adopted by the Board.
Stuart also summarized the public response at the 12
public hearings. The following is a brief account of Stuart's
report.
EAST POINT, April 29. East Point and College Park
speakers were outspoken in their support of the project and
the way in which we are developing our program. They
were delighted that the first hearing was held in their areas.
Only one person spoke in opposition, and he objected to the
cost and to taking people out of East Point,
LENOX, April 30. Leading citizens spoke strongly for
the project. The Buckhead Alternate excited no interest at
the hearing, but since then we have learned of considerable
feeling in opposition to this alternate. When work on this
subject progresses sufficiently. we should go back for another
formal hearing.
DOWNTOWN, May 2. We received strong endorsement
from all the business groups such as the Atlanta Chamber of
Commerce, Central Atlanta Progress, Inc., Atlanta Jaycees.
and from the Mayor's office.
WEST END, May 6. West End business. civic and church
groups gave us a strong endorsement. They did not place into
the record their earlier request for a different station site.
We are continuing to work with them on this matter.
CLAYTON COUNTY, May 9 (Forest Park). We received
100 per cent support from the Clayton County Commissioners
and gratifying support from business and other leaders. One
man appeared to protest cost estimates which were not at
issue at the hearing, and to abject to the continuance of the
Clayton County vacancy on the MARTA Board.
DECATUR, May 13. We received strong support from
business and political leaders, but they made it very clear
that more lines are needed to serve DeKalb County. Strong
support was given to the Decatur Alternate, which would
place the station closer to the Courthouse Square. One
speaker expressed concern about costs.
DORAVILLE, May 15. This hearing was also productive
in that local speakers gave us advice about the schedule of
development they expect. In one word, “quicker.” They rec-
ognize that Doraville/Chamblee is a long way out, but a
prolonged development schedule is not acceptable. A stated
reason for the impatience of North DeKalb County residents
is the crowded condition of the Northeast Expressway.
WEST SIDE, May 16. A very productive hearing in that
communications were established with a substantial part of
the Negro community. We received a list of requests from
the Atlanta Summit Leadership Conference, and we were
able to respond to them positively.
CANDLER PARK, May 20. We used a different com-
munications pregram to generate attendance. and learned
that the method used for the West Side hearing was more
effective. Statements made most often by speakers related to
requests for assurances about no job discrimination,
AME ZION CHURCH, May 22. Several speakers took
exception to our arrangement for the West Lake Station.
They place more importance on our use of vacant land than
we do, and they do not place as much importance on street
access as we do, Most speakers addressed themselves to ob-
jections to our organization; specifically, the absence of
Negro employees on the staff and the limited Negro repre-
sentation on the Board. We explained this as best we could.
SANDY SPRINGS, May 27. Speakers presented an un-
derstanding that Sandy Springs is not a first priority, and
they expressed quite clearly that they expect to be part of
our project some day,
SOUTH DEKALB, May 29. There was some expression
of interest and need for a rapid transit line into South De-
Kalb County where none is now shown. However, the pro-
ponents of this South DeKalb Line also stated that they do
not travel into Atlanta very often.
METROPOLITAN ATLANTA
RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY
B8O8 GLENN BLOG,*120 MARIETTA ST., N.W.
ATLANTA. GA, 30303 +*PHONE 524-5711
“DIRECTED BY THE GEORGIA STATE
LEGISLATURE TO DEVELOP A RAPID
TRANSIT SYSTEM FORTHE 5-COUNTY
METROPOLITAN ATLANTA AREA,"
Edited by Kitna Evuiottr
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS:
Ricuann H. Rica. Chairman Roy A. Brount. Pire Chairman
Hennent J, Dicksox, Treasurer Eomunp W. Hucees, Secretary
CITY OF ATLANTA:
Joux C. Witson L. D. Micros
Ricwanun H. Rieu Rawson Haverty
CLAYTON COLNTY:
S. Tuverr Catuy
DEKALB COUNTY:
Koy A. Bowe De. Saxeonn Arwouw
FULTON COUNTY:
Mirenene C. isu
GWINNETT COUNTY =
kK. A. MeViiet0s
CORB COUNTY (Ohsermer!
Uvis A. Rnosany, Ji,
MARTA STAFF
Jons C. Statos
Hesny L. Sruant, Geaceal
Ean. W. Nensow, CAéiof Eng
Ris Exniair, Director of Pa
H. NS: Jonsson, ddpeinfstratioe destsrant ro
“MARTA CHARTA ROUSING SUCCESS!
“The “MARTA CHARTA® inspection tour af Monireal and To-
Fonte rapid Iransit syslemms was an eye-opening experience, according
to those who made the trip fuse 12 and 13,
Henry L. Stuart, General Manager of the Metropolitan Atlanta
Rapid Transit Authority, said. “I talked to many of those who wert,
and they invariably stated they were impressed with the two syeterns,
and agwed thal something airalar 's nevded in Matropolitan Ausie.
Everyone agreed that the stations in Montreal were beautifully de-
signed and were well-coordinated with the buildings on the surface,”
he continved. “The bus tour of the surface development around the
fapid transit stations is Toronto was of great interest to afl of us,” he
sted, “We were able to see for ourselves the tremendous growth
which has taken place within a five-minute walk of the stations, and
Tbelieve every one of us was visualizing what might take place around
stations in Atlanta, Decatur, the Tri-Cities, Doraville and all other dr. Roberr deisel, meunber af she Morea! Transporation Come
cities in his ares. greets “MARTA CHARTA” members at Crenuaie Station.
“One of the most interesting reactions, I think, was the extempo- are Joh Calhoun, KOA (with bock wv comers; Leland Veal,
cous organization of the “Excavation “69 Club’ hy several of the State Higkway Deparment of Georgia: and Stell Mule, MARTA
Partelpenty Their motio Ie “Digs” and they are convinced that ws sel,
feed 1 get Murted as socn us possible actually building a rapid transit
system. I agree with thens one-hundred percent,” Stuart said.
The inpection trip, dubbed “MARTA CHARTA,” was organized
by MARTA to allow local leaders the opportu ride modern
rapid transit and to observe the impact rapid transit hax had on real
state eelopener and other phases of activity in the two Canadian
cities. Those accepting the invitation made the trip at their owe
ae,
MARTA Chairman Richard HM. Rich Gefth Atlanta Mayor
vars Alten, Jr. ond Arlanta Alderman Charlie Lefewicty riste
Monuveal’s METRO,
——
Froarenac Station ix another heavily-wtilized station,
The group included a sumber of mayors, coumy commissioners,
city aldermen and councilmen, members of the Georgia General Ax
sembly, architects, engineers, planners, real estate developers, and
ofhers, Eight other persons who could not be accommodated on the
al air lines and made the tours with
McCIN Statlon ic our of tke nose colorfol ond Learily mart stations an METRO syatens.
ines ea jet left Adlants ot 1:53 a.m, Wedines-
day, June 12. and arrived in Montreal shortly before noon, The group
toured the Montreal METRO during the afternoon, and Mew to To
ronte that evening by Air Canada commercial service, The visitors
toured the Toronto.sysiem Thuriday morning. June 13, 24 part of the
Institute for Rapid Transit conference, which was in progress
ronto. The group returned by charter jet that afternoon, ring in
Atlanta at G15 pu
tn Toronto,
sirbiay station
commuters at Beker aad wall
Mane cHanra” beara tft sad eh
the way hendreds of thousands of
dower cfeare, well-tigtted :
corrigies 68 aval i Platforms Mex, Lithessgier Fidhinaens Val vt taker ace eof “Bs fi lite service. Russa biresitard sireiigh
si residential areas, pick wp hndreds of thousaude of people cach day, and
Alderman GF. ito an are iin thw foregronnd, deliver tient toa aa subway station for completion of their trip down-
Aerial view ne ohesrers of high rise eelapatint
route subway starons, Sibiwiery
up waiting to board rain ineleste
‘ovis Nash (it a
uners Cominsiovt Chal
a Ray Morgun feecovel fins rights
aad MARTA Gwinners Direc
MeMiltan (right
Atwater Station abe see Seal aa? dtevetorinent comaining
"Miracte Mart,” 2 ruil
i re 5 es —- ’
Fulton Commissioner Walter Mitchell, MARTA Chairman Richard H. “MARTA CHARTA™ vi inspect external develop: tar MARTA‘ A special train comdvetrd MARTA people and members af Five Atteata Aldere ik things over at Toran ‘ay station. Left to
the Institute for Rapid Transit om tour of entire east-west lime. right are Robert Dennis, Hugh Pierce, Charlie Lefrwick, tack Saramers,
reb
iment ar Pictoria Square 7 METRO extt ir part of proposed station in Ehecertme,
ard HWilitane Aondgtes.
Rich, and State Higkway Department Planner Leland Weal ane is ir
emurains the Mamireal Stock
center af proup of members of “MARTA CHART A™ and the fastinute
for Rapid Transit