City of Atlanta is in Georgia State with a population of more than 470,000 people in 2005 (U.S. Census Bureau). Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), formed through Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Act in 1965(History of MARTA) is the official transport authority of Atlanta , covering 38 rail stations and a fleet of 702 buses and 350 rail cars, provide the mass transit mechanism in the city of Atlanta ( Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau). Atlanta, being in the center of Georgia enjoys the reputation of transportation hub and was widely expected to cater the needs of incoming sports followers in the wake of 1996 Olympics with heavy private sector investment into developing the infrastructure for the Olympics. (Dann, 2004). First of the major efforts by Atlanta authorities to improve the infrastructure for the 1996 Olympics was the improvement of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport by constructing a four story $24 million atrium to cater the needs of inflowing sports followers. In June 1996 MARTA added seven miles of rapid rail and three new stations to its north line and in 1995 it completed a new project costing $10 million dollars received as a grant from Clinton Administration to upgrade its bus system and purchased 56 new handicap-accessible buses. (Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau).
