Georgia – Page 27 – Railfanning.org

MARTA and Transit Stakeholders Discuss the Future of a Regional Rail System during a Three-Day Symposium

March 1, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

ATLANTA — MARTA joined with regional leaders and transit stakeholders during an informative three-day rail symposium on Feb. 18-20. Participants received information on the latest trolley, streetcar and light rail technologies and discussed how these systems could be used for future expansion projects included in the so-called “Concept 3” regional transit plan. “As we move toward implementation of an expanded regional transit system, it is essential that we take a thoughtful and creative look at the transit technologies that will work best for us,” said MARTA General Manager/CEO Dr. Beverly A. Scott. “These invaluable professional exchanges allow us to work

MARTA Completes Extensive Rail Car Rehabilitation Program

February 28, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

ATLANTA — MARTA has completed an extensive rail car rehabilitation program overhauling 218 of its oldest cars to extend each car’s life line by 15 years. The cost-effective program has already resulted in an increase in MARTA’s rail service reliability by 22 percent and has also improved on-time performance substantially. MARTA General Manager/CEO Beverly A. Scott unveiled the final two rehabilitated rail cars on Feb. 18 during a special celebration at the authority’s Armour Rail Yard. For a cost of $246 million, MARTA contracted with New York based-Alstom Transportation, Inc. USA to take each vehicle down to its shell and

‘Big Shanty, 20 minutes for breakfast’

February 19, 2009 Todd DeFeo

The General steam locomotive pulled the morning passenger train, winding its way through the rural Georgia countryside. Shortly before 6 a.m. on a rainy morning, Engineer Jeff Cain blew the locomotive’s whistle to signal that Big Shanty was approaching.

Standing where the raiders once stood

February 13, 2009 Railfanning.org

The Kennesaw House is an impressive building, even by today’s standards. But its role in one of the most fascinating events of the Civil War is what makes it truly unique.

MARTA: New Economic Forecast Predicts Worsening Budget Crisis

February 3, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

ATLANTA — The latest economic forecast issued in December 2008 for MARTA by the Georgia State Economic Forecasting Center predicts a further worsening of its current fiscal crisis by an additional $10 million, the transit agency said. The forecast also predicts MARTA will experience a cumulative loss of more than $1.2 billion in sales tax revenue over the next ten years – that is up an additional $588 million from its fall 2008 report. “This latest forecast truly underscores the magnitude and severity of the economic times that we are currently dealing with,” said Beverly A. Scott, MARTA General Manager

‘The most extraordinary and astounding adventure’

January 24, 2009 Todd DeFeo

Trains still roar past the Kennesaw House located between the city square and the railroad tracks a block away. Turn back the clock 145 years to April 12, 1862, and the Kennesaw House was the stepping off point for one of the more intriguing episodes of the Civil War.

Southeastern Railway Museum

January 1, 2009 Todd DeFeo

Model trains on display

October 23, 2008 Railfanning.org

The local chapter of the National Model Railroad Association is celebrating National Model Railroad Month by sponsoring a tour of more than 40 layouts throughout Metro Atlanta.

Railfanning while ‘heading down (and around) the Atlanta Highway’

October 8, 2008 Todd DeFeo

The so-called Classic City is known for a lot, usually revolving around the University of Georgia. But, a major rail line passes through Athens, and there are a handful of historic depots worth checking out – all located within a 30 mile or so drive in any given direction.

MARTA Ridership Jumps 13.2 Percent in July

September 5, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

ATLANTA — MARTA provided service for over 14 million passengers during July – a 13.2 percent jump in ridership over July of last year. Ridership increased across the board for all modes of transportation including increases of 12.9 percent (7.8 million boardings) for rail, 13.6 percent (6.2 million boardings) for bus, and 18.2 percent (37,000) for MARTA’s mobility paratransit service for seniors and disabled customers. “Thanks to rising gas prices, we’ve had a great opportunity to introduce new customers to the system, and we are extremely pleased that more people are taking advantage of the affordable cost and convenience of