City of Atlanta Publishes Findings of Independent Audit of More MARTA Program

The City of Atlanta has published the findings from an independent audit of the More MARTA program, which was initiated following a 2016 referendum to expand the city's transit services. Conducted by Mauldin & Jenkins, the audit revealed that the More MARTA program is owed approximately $70 million due to incorrect cost allocations from fiscal years 2017 to 2022. The Atlanta City Council called for the audit in March 2023 to evaluate the program's financial and operational activities up to June 30, 2023. Key findings indicated that expenditures on enhanced bus services were significantly lower than budgeted for fiscal years 2021 and 2022. Additionally, MARTA adjusted its financial transfers between accounts to manage operational overspending and underspending in various years.

The audit's ten recommendations have been fully accepted by the City of Atlanta, demonstrating a commitment to improving the program's management. Discussions are ongoing between Mayor Dickens, MARTA’s CEO, and their respective financial officers regarding the audit's findings. The audit report is accessible online for public review.