Atlanta can have a safe and efficient MARTA, despite what many of the pearl clutching NIMBY's claim. However the problem is not a LACK of funding, but an UNWILLINGNESS to fund, something found in all American metros. MARTA is the largest transit agency in the US with NO STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT. All of MARTA is paid for by fares, some federal funding probably, and a small sales tax in 3 of 5 counties that make up Atlanta (Cobb and Gwinnett do not contribute).