Cleveland Avenue and Metropolitan Parkway Arterial Rapid Transit (ART)

Image Description: The rendering above shows a proposed bus stop for Cleveland Avenue and Metropolitan Parkway ART. The enlarged structure shelters customers from the elements and includes real-time arrival signage, a concrete pad, trash receptacles, bike racks, and solar panels where applicable.

Current Status

Procurement. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2026.                   

Project Overview   

ART service is designed to deliver a faster and more reliable transit experience. Three key features distinguish ART bus service from regular local bus service:  

1. Transit Signal Priority (TSP): ART buses operate in the same lanes as other traffic, but TSP prioritizes approaching buses at key intersections to allow them to move faster and stay on time. Buses arrive approximately every 15-20 minutes. 
2. Enhanced shelters: Larger shelters feature better lighting, real-time arrival information, and seating. 
3. Limited stop service: The service is designed to save time and improve rider experience by having fewer stops than a local route. 

MARTA, in collaboration with the City of Atlanta through the More MARTA program, is investing in Arterial Rapid Transit (ART) in the Cleveland Avenue and Metropolitan Parkway corridors. 

• These investments are being made to improve connectivity, accessibility, and mobility in this high-ridership area.    
• The corridors serve the East Point and West End rail stations and through communities with a higher-than-average proportion of residents who are transit dependent.   
• Key destinations include Atlanta Technical College, Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Citi Center Shopping Center, MET Atlanta, Wellstar East Point Health Center, Cleveland Avenue Branch Library, Metropolitan Library, and the Atlanta BeltLine.  

Image Description: The image above shows a map of the Metropolitan and Cleveland ART routes with stops and bus transfer points. The map includes major points of interest including the MET, WellStar Medical Center, and grocery stores. Both ARTs connect to Red/Gold Lines with Metropolitan ART serving West End Station in the north and Cleveland ART serving East Point Station in the south. 

Timeline 

• August 2023: Design Complete.
• September 2023: MARTA issues an invitation to bid on construction of the project.  
• November 2023: One bid response received, but it is deemed non-responsive. 
• January 2024: MARTA and City of Atlanta regroup to add additional sidewalk improvements to the project, in order to make the project more attractive to bidders. As a result, this project’s construction start date was pushed out from Fall 2023. 
• May 2025: MARTA issues a second invitation to bid on construction of the project. 
• September 2025: Second bid closed.
• December 2025: MARTA awarded the contract to BRTU Construction. 
• January 2026: Administrative Notice to Proceed was issued. 
• Fall 2026: Construction planned to begin.                                             
  

Resources/Documents 

• Cleveland Avenue Stops
• Metropolitan Parkway Stops 
• Stop Shelters and Amenities 

Industry Day 2023 (for contractors)  

• 2023 Industry Day Presentation

Public Meeting Video 

• 2020 Public Meeting Video 
• 2022 Public Meeting #1 Video
• 2022 Public Meeting #2 Video   

2022 Meeting Documents  

• 2022 Meeting Presentation
  

2020 Meeting Documents  

• 2020 Public Meeting Presentation
• Learning about ART in Los Angeles    

Image Description: The image above shows renderings of the planned protected crosswalks with accessible ramps, flashing signals, and new concrete pads at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Elsinore Street.

Stay Informed  

Stay tuned for more updates on this page and sign up for email updates below.   

Sign Up for Updates 

Please submit comments regarding the project via email to:  
Jonathan Barnett
Project Manager II 

jbarnett-ctr@itsmarta.com