Atlanta is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup with MARTA readying Five Points Station for increased crowds.
ATLANTA — With the first FIFA World Cup match in Atlanta just three weeks away, transit officials say MARTA’s busiest rail hub will be ready to handle an expected surge of riders heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Five Points Station, where MARTA’s north-south and east-west rail lines intersect, has been undergoing a major renovation since last year. The project has at times required the closure of entrances, platforms, and escalators, raising concerns among commuters about accessibility during one of the city’s largest international events.
MARTA officials say key platform-level improvements have been completed, including brighter lighting, new seating, and upgraded finishes designed to enhance the rider experience.
“Our platforms have been updated to be cleaner and brighter and include new seating,” said Matthew Pollack, MARTA’s assistant general manager of capital delivery, during a recent board meeting. “The station will remain fully accessible during the World Cup.”
Construction is still ongoing at the concourse and exterior levels as part of the broader Five Points Transformation Project. MARTA plans to replace exterior scaffolding with a large-scale mural by Atlanta-based artist Vera Zeigler before the start of matches in June and July. Construction barriers are also being painted to align with the project’s visual theme.
The station sits near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, making it a critical transfer point for fans traveling to matches and related events.
To accommodate increased ridership, MARTA says trains will run every five minutes on match days and during World Cup fan events. The agency also plans to deploy additional “rapid response” shuttle trains following matches to manage heavy crowds at stations, including Five Points, SEC District, and Vine City.
Officials say the combination of infrastructure upgrades and increased service is designed to ensure the system can handle the influx of visitors while maintaining regular service for daily riders.