Jonathan Hunt, interim general manager and CEO of MARTA, briefed the Fulton County Board on a broad set of transit projects and operational changes. He said ridership on bus and rail modes had recovered toward pre‑pandemic levels and highlighted several capital projects: Airport Station elevator installation and near completion of a retail pavilion; construction progress on the Rapid (Summerhill/Campbellton) line including pantograph chargers at Carver Station and completed drainage on the downtown loop; and a two‑part 5‑Points transformation with significant street‑level work extending through 2029 and below‑grade rehabilitation slated for spring 2026.

Hunt previewed the 'Better Breeze' fare gates and validators (pilot installed at Lindbergh Station) and said the NextGen bus network will launch April 18, 2026, promising more frequent corridors and on‑demand zones. He warned MARTA customers and the board that New Flyer has issued a nationwide battery recall affecting bus deliveries and that staff are working on a workaround.

Commissioners asked about projected timelines for the streetcar return (estimated Jan. 12, pending Georgia Power work), Summerhill BRT alignment timing and safety/policing at 5‑Points station; Hunt described coordinated public safety partnerships and plans for patrols and lighting improvements.

The board thanked MARTA and scheduled follow‑up requests for additional ridership impact analysis linked to capital projects and more detail on legislative priorities (extension of the transportation penny and transit‑lane camera enforcement).