Local

New MARTA Chief Vows to Stabilize Budget, Improve Service

October 19th, 2012

Incoming MARTA chief Keith Parker doesn’t take over until December 10^th but he’s already preparing for the challenges ahead.

“Many people in the transit industry view the MARTA job as the most complex one in the entire industry,” said Parker. “I don’t disagree.”

In his first press conference in Atlanta, Parker said he’d take a comprehensive approach in tackling MARTA’s projected $33 million budget deficit.

“I don’t think there’s one magic bullet that solves the issues as they relate to the financial concerns of the agency so we won’t try to do it that way.”

He said he’d key in on rider issues and vowed to be an active user of the system.

“My real estate agent got the primary directive again of getting out there and finding me a house that allows me to take the service into work every day.”

Parker, who managed systems in San Antonio and Charlotte, said he would defend MARTA’s interests at the state Capitol while pushing for greater cooperation with lawmakers.

“I plan to spend considerable time with our folks to make sure that any legislation out there not only doesn’t harm MARTA but enhances MARTA.”

Parker will be paid $320,000 per year for the next five years.