Four Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) streetcar vehicles have been repaired and will be back on the streets of downtown Atlanta for testing on Feb. 28 and anticipated to be used for service on March 2. Additional streetcar vehicles will return to service as they are repaired.
MARTA removed the streetcar vehicles from service on Nov. 29, 2022, after engineers discovered wheel degradation that could pose a safety risk. The wheels on the first streetcar have been replaced and wheels on the other three vehicles will be replaced in the coming weeks.
“I want to commend our engineers for immediately making the decision to pull these vehicles, so repairs could be made,” said MARTA Chief Operating Officer George Wright. “We are going to test out the new wheels, so you will see the streetcar along its route for a few days before it returns to service. We ask that everyone who works, lives or visits downtown to be mindful the streetcar is back and to stay clear of its tracks and route.”
MARTA shuttle vans, wrapped to look like the streetcar, will continue servicing the route as the streetcar vehicles return to service.
The cost of the replacement wheels is approximately $400,000 and being paid through MARTA’s capital budget.
