At the November 12 board meeting, MARTA chief executive Jonathan Hunt presented a refreshed mission and vision for the Atlanta transit authority. Hunt, who became the permanent CEO on August 13 after serving as interim leader and previously as chief legal counsel, said the new statements put the rider experience at the center of the agency’s work.
New statements set a “north star” for MARTA
Hunt’s vision reads, “Leading the nation in customer experience, operations and innovation,” a clear shift from the prior, more generic wording. He called the goal “ambitious, and intentionally so,” adding that MARTA should strive to be the best in the country at everything it does.
The revised mission, “Connecting people to opportunities by delivering routine excellence every day,” replaces the former focus on safety, multimodal service, prosperity, connectivity and equity. Hunt explained that “routine excellence” begins with a high‑quality employee experience, which in turn creates a high‑quality customer experience.
Strategic planning and upcoming projects
With the new mission and vision in place, MARTA will launch a comprehensive strategic planning process, the first since 2023. The five‑year plan will outline priorities and objectives for a transit system that meets the region’s needs.
Hunt also highlighted ongoing improvements to the rider experience. The agency’s Better Breeze fare system is now fully operational, allowing riders to tap cards at new fare gates and validators on buses. All 450 fare gates and 249 ticket vending machines are slated for completion by tomorrow, and Breeze cards will soon be sold at 7‑Eleven, CVS, Racetrac and Walgreens locations.
Other projects under Hunt’s tenure include the Summerhill BRT line, still under construction, and community engagement for the Campbellton BRT corridor.
Board reaction
After the presentation, MARTA board vice chair Al Pond thanked Hunt for focusing on “significant initiatives that make a difference in the system,” noting that such detail had been lacking in previous years.
The updated mission and vision signal a renewed commitment to transparency, collaboration with local jurisdictions, businesses and community leaders, and a customer‑first approach that aims to strengthen Atlanta’s transit network for years to come.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
