State Senate votes to give MARTA freedom, snacks
Bills now move to House Transportation Committee.
The state Senate yesterday passed two bills that could give MARTA more choices about its funding — as well as an opportunity to earn some extra cash.
The first, Senate Bill 120, would allow the transit agency to decide how it uses the one-cent sales tax it collects in Atlanta and Fulton and DeKalb Counties. (Currently, that sales tax — which accounts for more than half MARTA’s funding — must be split evenly on capital projects and operating costs.)
Senate Bill 89 would allow the food and drinks to be consumed at transit stations. If passed, the measure would allow MARTA to contract with vendors who could sell items at stations. Riders would still be prohibited from eating or drinking on MARTA buses and trains. You can still bring a gun on the train, though.