FAQs
How do I make an Open Records Request?
Please visit MARTA's Open Records portal, https://marta.nextrequest.com/ to make your request. Requests by mail, phone, fax, email or in person are also accepted, but will be entered into the portal for processing.
Who can initiate a request?
Anyone may initiate a request for public records.
What will happen if I submit a request anonymously?
If you submit a request without, contact information, the portal will not allow you to receive updates for your request and you will not be able to log in to access documents. It will be your responsibility to check the portal for records that are posted publicly on the portal in response to your request. If MARTA needs clarification on your request in order to respond to your request and you provide no way to contact you, your request may be closed without a response.
What type of information can I request?
Requests may be used to obtain "public records," which include a wide variety of documents and other materials (including print, photographic, and electronic formats) that were created or obtained by an agency and are, at the time the request is filed, in MARTA's possession and control. It does not include any computer program or computer software used or maintained in the course of operation of an agency. The Georgia Open Records Act excludes certain categories of records from disclosure.
How soon must MARTA respond to my request?
MARTA has three (3) business days in which to respond to the request by: a) providing the record(s) if they are readily available; or b) acknowledging receipt of the request and providing a reasonable estimate of the time MARTA will need to respond to the request.
How much will I be charged for my request?
The Georgia Open Records Act allows MARTA to charge fees for the staff time needed to identify, search for, retrieve, and process records. MARTA may charge the hourly rate of the lowest paid full-time employee with the necessary skill, training, and access to identify the requested records. Charges for staff time only begin after the first 15 minutes spent on a request.
Your cost to receive public records will depend upon the number of records requested. A very specific request for a small number of records may cost very little, or nothing at all. However, a request that seeks a large number of records, one that requires the review of a large volume of records, or one that spans a large timeframe may result in a substantial fee. If the estimated costs associated with a request are more than $500, MARTA can require prepayment before beginning a search for records. If a requestor has an unpaid balance from a previous records request, MARTA may require prepayment for any new requests regardless of the estimated costs.
What records are exempt from disclosure?
The Georgia Open Records Act provides a number of exemptions that allow or require certain types of information to be withheld from a response. The exemptions that apply the most frequently to MARTA records are:
- Records that are required by federal law or regulation to be kept confidential;
- Medical records;
- Records that would reveal a confidential law enforcement investigation or reveal a confidential source;
- Records related to an open investigation into criminal or unlawful activity (except that an initial police report is not exempt);
- Records related to an open investigation into employee misconduct;
- Records related to the acquisition of real property by the agency;
- Records related to an open procurement process;
- Personal privacy related information of all individual, such as day/month of birth, mother’s maiden name, Social Security number, medical information, financial account information, and utility account numbers;
- Personal privacy related information of public employees, such as home address, home telephone number, and identification of immediate family members;
- Personal information of individuals using the MARTA system which would reveal the financial records or travel history of any individual who is a purchaser of a Breeze Card or similar fare card;
- Information in records that would compromise security against criminal or terrorist acts if made public;
- Records that are subject to the attorney-client privileged or are confidential attorney work product;
- Records containing proprietary information; and
- Records that could compromise public security (i.e. security plans, vulnerability assessments, etc.).
What does it mean if public records have been "redacted"?
If the record contains information that is exempt from disclosure, that information will be redacted before those records are provided in response to a request. "Redacted" simply means that the exempt information is removed or obscured in some way so that it is not provided. Occasionally, the entire record will be exempt and, in that situation, there will be no records that can be produced.
Can I insist that records be created or put in a particular format for me?
No, MARTA is not required to prepare reports, summaries, or compilations not in existence at the time of the request.
How long is MARTA required to keep public records?
MARTA follows the State of Georgia Retention Schedule for Local Government. Please reference the State Schedule for how long MARTA is required to keep public records.