MARTA to Public: ‘Your Ride, You Decide’ on Railcar Exterior Design

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is asking the public to weigh in on the exterior graphic design for its 254 new Stadler railcars that will start arriving in 2023.

The move follows MARTA’s May request for input on interior railcar design features. (Find those results below.)

The agency awarded Stadler a $646 million contract for 127 two-car rapid transit trainsets (with an options for up to 50 additional sets) in 2019.

MARTA riders and potential riders can now take part in the exterior design work by voting for one of four themed graphic options—“inspired by MARTA colors, and the dynamism and movement of trains”—via the agency’s website or social media pages.

Each design theme—Minimalist, Flowing Ribbons, Neighborhoods and Tracks—has two options for design size and placement. They follow.

Minimalist:

Flowing Ribbons:

Neighborhoods:

Tracks:

More than 1,300 riders shared their railcar interior-design preferences in the spring. After analyzing 17,000 votes and 700 comments, MARTA reported that the most popular features are digital maps, next station and destination displays, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible seating and signage.

“As a result of this feedback, passenger seats will be more accommodating; railcars will offer more options for those who are standing; there will be specially marked areas for bikes and strollers; and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs will optimize entry and exit points,” MARTA General Manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker said. “Other design elements include an open gangway so riders can move freely between railcars, and convenient charging stations. We were thrilled with the response we received on the interior features and are eager to see what riders think of the exterior design options.”