Today we’d like to introduce you to Marwan Al-Mukhtar.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Marwan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am currently the Executive Director of the City of Atlanta-Atlanta Streetcar.
I have more than 24 years of experience in light rail transportation, safety, and security management.
I started my career in the early 90’s as a rail operator at Port Authority of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During that time, I was promoted several times to positions including, Division Dispatcher, Field Operations Supervisor, Movement Director, Assistant Manager of Operations, and finally as the Rail Operations Manager. During my tenure, I have played instrumental roles in three startups which included 27 new rail cars, a new operation center, and opening a new rail line (nearly 5.3 miles).
In 2007, I became the acting Operations Superintendent in King County Metro, Seattle as part of a start-up team for the Seattle Streetcar and a new Central Link (25 miles).
In 2009, I became the Rail Safety Manager for Sound Transit Seattle, overseeing all aspects of safety for the Sounder (commuter rail), Central Link (light rail), and Tacoma Streetcar.
In 2013, I became a member of the Sun Link Streetcar system in Tucson, Arizona where I was also a part of the startup team.
In late 2016 to present, I joined the Atlanta Streetcar team, as first Director, and now Executive Director. I direct and coordinates the day-to-day activities of the Atlanta Streetcar Division, including managing the operations and maintenance contracts; directing and overseeing safety and security activities; managing operational budgets; and assisting in planning for future expansion.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My career has been a great one for me. The challenges I’ve faced in this position and with this start-up are not very different from the ones faced by other start-up Streetcar management teams across the country.
Some particular struggles for me have fallen under the technical and administrative areas; however, with hard work and determination from my team, I have made many changes to improve operations and maintenance of the Atlanta Streetcar. The hard work and determination has already resulted in some success and will ultimately help us reach our goals.
Please tell us about The Atlanta Streetcar.
The Atlanta Streetcar brings new life to an historic area in a great city.
The Atlanta Streetcar’s current east-west 2.7-mile route travels through downtown Atlanta seven days a week, taking approximately 30-40 minutes to complete its loop, which has 12 stops that are at or near popular and historic tourist attractions and venues.
In 2016, the Streetcar covered 60,000 revenue miles with 96.7 percent on-time performance. The Streetcar provides direct access to multiple MARTA stations and last-mile connectivity to the Atlanta BeltLine. It offers commuters, residents and visitors a clean, fast and easy alternative to help navigate the city’s downtown corridor.
The future of the Atlanta Streetcar includes a priority transit network of more than 50 miles of track, along with 18 miles of new or enhanced transit service that connects to the current system. This expansion will change the way people move in and around Atlanta. We are improving mobility and creating better connections for everyone who lives in or visits the city.
As the first transit system in Metro Atlanta to offer a mobile ticketing app, the Atlanta Streetcar is making it easier for everyone to ride. Launched in December 2016, our mobile app allows riders to purchase single and multiple fare products and track real-time arrivals. Other digital advances are expected to improve online and web access; secure the fare collection and validation process; and help streamline the electronic-payment process.
I am most proud of being a key asset in rebuilding and strengthening the relationships between the City of Atlanta, FTA, GDOT, MARTA, and ADID.
The Atlanta Streetcar is just the beginning of a new transportation ecosystem that will make Atlanta one of the best-connected cities in the U.S. and the world.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is family and what we shared. I remember that It was also special to spend time with family, celebrating holidays.
Pricing:
- $1 – Single trip, One-Way
- $3 – One-Day pass
- $11 – Weekly pass
- $40 – Monthly pass
- $10 -Visitor’s pass (5 days)
- Two (2) children, 46″ and under, ride FREE with a paid adult.
Contact Info:
- Address: 275 Auburn Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30303 - Website: www.TheAtlantaStreetcar.com
- Phone: 404-546-0311
- Email: Streetcar@atlantaga.gov
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlstreetcar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaStreetcar/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/atlstreetcar
Image Credit:
Middleton Photography
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