Atlanta’s Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority chief executive Jonathan Hunt told an Atlanta City Council committee in June 2026 that the agency faces a budget shortfall. He said overtime spending has risen by almost 17 percent, adding to the deficit identified in a recent audit covering the fiscal year ending June 2026. Hunt also noted that the agency is experiencing delays in the delivery of new trains, further straining finances under the new leadership.
The audit highlighted the excess overtime costs as a key factor behind the current budget gap, prompting the warning from the newly appointed chief executive.
The council hearing focused on these financial pressures as MARTA works to address the shortfall while awaiting the delayed train equipment.