As part of the larger, industry-wide transition to zero-emission technology, many public transit agencies are investing in new and improved maintenance facilities and bus depots to accommodate electric vehicle infrastructure, while also meeting increasing demands for ridership.

One such agency is the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which recently marked the start of the demolition phase for a new Multipurpose Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Facility in Clayton County, GA.

The new O&M facility will replace MARTA’s existing Hamilton Bus Depot in Atlanta, GA, with an all-new 32-acre site located about four miles south in Forest Park, GA. This state-of-the-art facility will support operations for 31 regional bus routes and is designed to house as many as 300 buses powered by three different fuel sources—diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG) and battery-electric power – to facilitate the phase-out of MARTA’s diesel buses by 2036 and CNG buses by 2040.

STV is providing comprehensive architectural and engineering design services for the project, including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, industrial, fueling systems and charging infrastructure.

STV has been a long-standing leader in providing multidisciplinary design and project delivery services for public transit maintenance facilities and depots. To accommodate zero-emission transition efforts in other parts of the country, the firm is currently involved in the design of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Quincy Bus Maintenance Facility in Quincy, MA, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Jamaica Bus Depot in Queens, NY.

Serving nearly 50 million riders annually, MARTA plays a vital role in providing sustainable transportation solutions across one of the nation’s most congested networks. Working toward a more connected Atlanta, the Authority is making transformative investments to expand transit service and elevate the travel experience for riders across the region.

Since joining the MARTA system in 2014, Clayton County has become an essential part of this vision, benefiting from targeted investments through the Clayton County Transit Initiative. This initiative explores new transit alignments and technology opportunities to enhance mobility, accessibility and connectivity between Clayton County and metro Atlanta.

“For anyone just passing through Clayton County, we’ve established a bricks and mortar representation of the fact that MARTA is putting up stakes here, we live here, and we’re going to serve the County well,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood at the groundbreaking ceremony.

The new multipurpose complex will feature:

• Comprehensive bus maintenance and repair facilities, including a four-lane bus fueling and service area, three bus wash lanes and 28 maintenance bays, with a deep cleaning area for buses and the infrastructure to support both immediate and future bus electrification needs.
• Transit operations and administrative offices, as well as large, flexible spaces for staff training, internal meetings and public gatherings, with a landscaped rooftop area for staff and visitors to connect and relax.
• An employee wellness center with a fitness facility and an outdoor area for employees, promoting health and wellbeing.
• A MARTA Police Department precinct.
• Other environmental facilities and infrastructure, including an industrial wastewater treatment plant, stormwater management areas, fare collection facilities, bus parking and employee parking.

“While STV has an extensive track record in maintenance and operations facilities, what makes this project unique is the scale of the site and its multipurpose nature,” said Jeff Messinger, PE, LEED AP BD+C, vice president and project manager. “In addition to providing sustainability, longevity and adaptability for MARTA’s bus operations, this site will house state-of-the-art training facilities, wellness amenities and other essential functions to serve MARTA’s evolving needs.”

Since beginning work in fall 2022, the team has reached the 90% design milestone and is on track to complete the design in preparation for construction to start in 2025. Demolition of existing structures on the Forest Park site, which previously housed a K-Mart distribution center, has commenced following the recent groundbreaking.

“This project will generate essential construction and transit jobs locally, and once completed, it will employ over 400 permanent staff,” said Rodrick Evangelist, PMP, deputy project manager. “We’re thrilled about the positive economic impact it will have on Forest Park and Clayton County.”