MARTA and CEO Collie Greenwood part ways as agency faces pivotal year
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Collie Greenwood. Photo: Courtesy of MARTA
The MARTA board voted Thursday to "mutually" part ways with Collie Greenwood, ending a three-year leadership tenure marked by new construction, service turbulence and debate over Atlanta's transit future.
Why it matters: Greenwood's exit lands as MARTA prepares for next summer's FIFA World Cup, struggles to rebuild post-pandemic ridership and pushes forward on Atlanta's $2.7 billion transit expansion plan.
The intrigue: Greenwood chose early retirement due to "immigration and personal matters," according to the resolution ending his employment agreement.
- MARTA said Greenwood, who is a Canadian citizen, ceased working in mid-June after his work permit expired. He delegated his duties to Rhonda Allen, the agency's chief customer experience officer and now acting general manager.
- "Mr. Greenwood's Canadian visa is valid, and he remains in this country legally awaiting imminent delivery of his Green Card," the agency said.
What they're saying: "My wife and I have decided this is a good opportunity to take an early retirement and spend more time with our family and friends," Greenwood, who did not attend the meeting, said in a statement.
- "I do want to thank the board, the executive leadership team, and everyone at MARTA for their support and their continued work to improve and grow transit service in this region."
- MARTA board members declined to comment after the meeting. Board member Rod Frierson said during the meeting that "[w]e have tried to work through it, and it just wasn't possible."
Between the lines: Service disruptions at major events — including the Peachtree Road Race, a Shakira concert, and most recently an escalator mishap that injured 11 after Beyoncé's show — drew public criticism.
Zoom in: "It is very unfortunate that immigration is a very complicated issue in the United States today," Ide said after the board vote.
- "But Mr. Greenwood needed to make the decision that was best for him and his family, and his MARTA family will miss him tremendously."
Catch up quick: Greenwood was named permanent CEO and general manager in late 2022 after serving as interim chief following Jeffrey Parker's death earlier that year.
- He joined MARTA in 2019, initially overseeing the bus network before his promotion to deputy general manager.
Zoom out: Greenwood led MARTA's largest capital investments in decades — including bus rapid transit and station rehabs — and an ambitious redesign of the bus system.
- Under Greenwood, MARTA won the American Public Transit Association's 2024 outstanding public transportation system award, and secured AAA bond status from two credit agencies.
Yes, but: MARTA ridership fell 6% in 2024 while national transit usage climbed 24%, the AJC reported in March, citing a Federal Transit Administration report.
- The agency disputed the findings, citing fare gate and Breeze Card problems.
Friction point: MARTA's relationship with City Hall soured over dueling audits, construction delays and debates about the Five Points station renovation.
What's next: MARTA will pay out the balance of Greenwood's employment contract, according to the resolution. Terms were not immediately available.
- Allenwill work as acting general manager and CEO until the board appoints an interim.
- The board also created an ad hoc committee with a representative from each jurisdiction that funds MARTA to search for Greenwood's permanent successor.