Commuters at Sandy Springs and North Springs MARTA stations are paying more for long-term parking starting Monday, Sept. 14.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) raised daily long-term parking rates by $2 at both stations. North Springs jumped from $8 to $10 per day. Sandy Springs went from $5 to $7, the North Atlanta Star reported.
The free parking window also shrank. Drivers who previously had 24 hours before charges kicked in now have 14 hours, according to Appen Media.
Who pays more, and who doesn't
MARTA said most weekday commuters who park in the morning and leave by evening will still fall within the 14-hour free window. The change hits hardest for travelers who leave a car at the station while flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson. Those drivers will now pay $10 per day at North Springs instead of $8, and $7 instead of $5 at Sandy Springs.
MARTA's free daily parking lots are not affected. Only the nine paid long-term facilities across the system see higher rates.
Why MARTA raised the rates
In a press release reported by Appen Media, MARTA said the higher fees will help recover the cost of recent systemwide parking upgrades and fund future improvements to lighting and security at its facilities. The agency also said the increase moves its parking operation toward self-sufficiency.
The new rates are expected to bring in an additional $500,000 in annual operating revenue. MARTA's last system-wide parking fee increase was in 2009, Rough Draft Atlanta reported.
Other stations affected
Nine MARTA stations total saw increases. Four stations now charge $10 per day after 14 hours: College Park, Doraville, Lindbergh and North Springs. Five stations charge $7 per day after 14 hours: Dunwoody, Kensington, Lenox, Medical Center and Sandy Springs.
North Springs access shifts on GA 400
Separately, drivers reaching North Springs from GA 400 southbound face a detour. MARTA said on its official X account that access shifted to Temporary Exit 5B on Aug. 29 as part of the Georgia Department of Transportation's (GDOT) SR 400 Express Lanes project. The old combined Exit 5 is expected to remain closed for about two years.
Updated parking fee details are available on MARTA's website.
