From day one, MARTA's development and history has been defined by race. The development of the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority began in 1965, but by the time lawmakers approved legislation in 1971, only two of the five counties involved in the plan ultimately signed up. In an era defined by white flight, political opposition and secret bus routes, Atlanta's vision of a transit system meant to connect counties instead became a tool that segregated the city and surrounding counties. The lega