MARTA - BEHIND THE RIDE
The Future on Rails: Connie Krisak’s Vision
Connie Krisak never imagined she would be involved with the design of MARTA’s next-generation trains. As an architect with a long history in transit infrastructure, she had spent years improving station layouts and ensuring functional designs. But when she first saw the plans for MARTA’s new rail fleet, she had one pressing question: Why were they designing the same train from 40 years ago?
That moment sparked a major shift. Connie’s deep understanding of transit design and user experience catapulted her into a new challenge—leading the transformation of MARTA’s rail system with the CQ400 trains.
"When I came to MARTA, the system was aging, and funding was limited," Connie recalls. "We had to focus on the most urgent needs first. But my goal was always to improve the rider experience."
That mission soon expanded beyond station architecture to reimagining what MARTA’s trains could be.
MARTA
recently unveiled the first new CQ400 train at the State of MARTA, and Connie was there to lead the celebration.
The CQ400 project wasn’t just about replacing old trains; it was about redefining the MARTA experience. Connie challenged traditional ideas of transit design, pushing the limits of what a train could be and what Stadler, the train manufacturer, could deliver. She encouraged engineers to think beyond the standard specifications and create something groundbreaking.
One of the most defining aspects of the project was MARTA’s commitment to rider input. During the pandemic, the agency gathered thousands of survey responses, shaping everything from the seats to lighting to digital signage.
"Every detail—from the seating arrangement to the placement of emergency call buttons—was designed with the rider in mind," Connie explains. "This wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about function and experience."
What Riders Can Expect
The CQ400 trains boast a series of innovations designed to improve safety, comfort, and accessibility, including:
- Open Gangways to allow for easier movement and increased visibility for both riders and MARTA Police.
- Color-Coded LED Displays to make it easier to identify train lines at a glance.
- Enhanced Digital Signage to provide real-time information, including arrival times and bus connections.
- Improved Accessibility for riders by designating spaces for those with disabilities, easy-to-reach emergency call buttons, and visual cues to aid navigation.
- Upgraded Safety Features that include LED lighting, enhanced CCTV capabilities, and strategically placed microphones that alert operators to sudden loud noises.
"This train is designed for the Atlanta region and for MARTA riders," Connie emphasizes. "From the bold MARTA branding on the exterior to the comfortable and intuitive interior layout, every choice was made to enhance the rider experience.”
The Future of MARTA’s Fleet
As the CQ400 trains undergo final testing, MARTA is preparing to introduce them to the public, marking a significant step forward in transit modernization. Connie remains deeply proud of the project and the collaborative effort that made it possible.
"It has been one of the most challenging and rewarding projects of my career," she reflects. "To know that these trains will serve the Atlanta area for decades to come—it’s an incredible feeling."
The CQ400 trains are more than just an upgrade; they represent MARTA’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and the future of public transit in Atlanta. As these trains hit the tracks over the coming years, MARTA invites riders to experience the difference firsthand—because the future of transit is here, and it was built with them in mind.
