MARTA’s Transformation and Future Growth in North Fulton, with MARTA’s Freda Hardage and Jennifer Larosa (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 104)
In this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider, host Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, discusses the significant developments in the North Fulton transit system with Freda Hardage and Jennifer Larosa from MARTA. They delve into the new fleet of CQ 400 train cars, upcoming improvements in rail stations, and the introduction of Bus Rapid Transit routes. They also highlight the importance of transit investments for economic growth and how MARTA is preparing for the expected population increase. The conversation covers partnerships with GDOT and legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing MARTA’s service and safety features.
The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.
Freda Hardage, Director, MARTA
Freda Hardage is a prominent figure in Atlanta’s healthcare and public transportation sectors. She currently serves as the Chair of the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) Board of Directors, a position she was elected to in December 2018. Hardage has been a member of the MARTA board since 2013, when she was appointed by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.
With over 30 years of experience in healthcare, Hardage has had a distinguished career at Northside Hospital. She held the position of Director of Foundation Services for the Alpharetta Medical Campus at Northside Hospital. Her background as a registered nurse, with a BSN from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has informed her multidisciplinary approach to healthcare systems.
Hardage’s community involvement extends beyond her roles at MARTA and Northside Hospital. She has been recognized for her contributions to the Johns Creek community, where she resides. In 2023, she was honored as one of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) Women of Excellence Award winners for her service projects and community leadership.
Her professional network includes positions such as Director/Board Member at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, showcasing her commitment to local business development. Hardage’s leadership at MARTA comes at a crucial time for the region’s transit development, as she has expressed enthusiasm for working with current partners and potential new jurisdictions to expand MARTA’s services.
Hardage’s career exemplifies a dedication to public service, healthcare advancement, and community development in the greater Atlanta area. Her diverse experience in both the public and private sectors positions her as a key figure in shaping the future of Atlanta’s transportation and healthcare landscapes.
Jennifer Larosa, Sr. Director of Government Affairs, MARTA
Jennifer Larosa is a seasoned professional in government affairs and public policy, currently serving as the Senior Director of Government & Community Affairs at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). She joined MARTA in February 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience in transit and legislative affairs.
Prior to her current role, Larosa worked as a lobbyist for MARTA while employed at Ohio River South and McGuire Woods Consulting. Her career is marked by significant achievements in transit and funding legislative successes. Notably, she played a key role in creating Georgia’s first dedicated funding source for transit capital projects and establishing the Transit Trust Fund.
Larosa’s educational background includes degrees from Georgia State University and the University of Georgia, following her undergraduate studies in her native Louisiana. Her expertise extends beyond her work at MARTA; she has also served as the Vice President for State & Local Government at Ohio River South and has been a board member for Advance Atlanta.
In her current position at MARTA, Larosa is responsible for maintaining a visible presence at the State Capitol, fostering positive relationships with political and community stakeholders, and working to secure necessary funding for the transit authority. Her role is crucial in advancing MARTA’s interests at local, state, and federal levels, particularly given the authority’s reliance on federal and state funding support for system improvements and expansion.
MARTA
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is the primary public transportation provider in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Established in 1971, MARTA operates a comprehensive network of bus and rail services, serving Fulton, Clayton, and DeKalb counties, with limited bus services extending into Cobb County. The system includes 48 miles of rail track with 38 stations and over 110 bus routes, making it the eighth-largest rapid transit system in the United States by ridership.
MARTA’s mission is to advocate for and provide safe, multimodal transit services that enhance prosperity, connectivity, and equity across the region. It plays a crucial role in economic development through Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) initiatives, fostering walkable communities around its stations. MARTA is governed by a 15-member board of directors and employs over 4,500 people, relying on fares and sales tax for its operating revenues. Despite being a major transit system, MARTA is unique in not receiving state funding.
In addition to its core services, MARTA offers paratransit services for disabled customers and is expanding its fleet with environmentally friendly buses. The organization continues to evolve, with ongoing projects like the MARTA Rapid Summerhill bus rapid transit line, set to launch in late 2025, and Bus Rapid Transit routes coming to North Fulton.
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Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider
00:37 Meet the Guests: Freda Hardage and Jennifer Larosa
02:13 Exciting News: MARTA’s New Train Fleet
06:12 Enhancing MARTA Stations
07:59 Future Growth and Economic Impact
11:18 Legislative Efforts and BRT Initiatives
18:07 MARTA’s Plans for North Fulton’s 400 Corridor
20:27 The Importance of MARTA to the Community
25:00 Conclusion and Contact Information
About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider
The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.
The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.
As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.
GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.
For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.
