MARTA is Atlanta’s combined bus, rapid transit and streetcar system. It includes 48 miles of rail (rapid transit), 2.7-miles of circular streetcar tracks, and more than 1,000 miles of bus routes spanning the city (see rapid transit rail map below).
Greenwood, a Canadian citizen, “was recently notified that his Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) is forthcoming after the expiration of his Employment Authorization Document (EAD or work permit) this summer,” MARTA reported in a July 17 announcement of the news. “Upon expiration of his work permit on June 18, 2025, and out of an abundance of caution, Mr. Greenwood ceased working, personally notified all MARTA Board members and executive leadership individually, and signed a delegation of authority to Ms. Allen. Mr. Greenwood’s Canadian visa is valid, and he remains in this country legally awaiting imminent delivery of his Green Card.”
“The immigration process is extensive and has had an impact on Mr. Greenwood’s personal and professional progress,” MARTA continued. “These challenges have been resolved with Mr. Greenwood’s decision, and the MARTA family supports him.”
MARTA said the Board will convene a committee to begin the search for the next GM/CEO.
A former bus operator, Greenwood spent more than 30 years at Toronto Transit Commission, where he rose through the ranks to ultimately serve as Chief Service Officer. He joined MARTA in July 2019 as Chief of Bus Operations and Urban Planning, and advanced to Deputy General Manager of Operations in 2021. Greenwood was named Acting GM/CEO in January 2022 and was confirmed to the leadership post in October 2022.
Under Greenwood’s leadership, MARTA said the transit authority “advanced the largest improvement and expansion program in its history,” including construction of the region’s first bus rapid transit line, a systemwide rail station rehabilitation project, and a fleet of new Stadler railcars. Additionally, MARTA earned the North America 2024 Outstanding Public Transportation System award from the American Public Transportation Association.
“Collie came to MARTA with a tremendous knowledge of transit and an innovative mind and has led the Authority through some challenges and great successes,” MARTA Board Chair Jennifer Ide said. “My fellow Board members and I are thankful for his leadership and wish him and his family the best.”
“My wife and I have decided this is a good opportunity to take an early retirement and spend more time with our family and friends,” Greenwood commented. “I do want to thank the board, the executive leadership team, and everyone at MARTA for their support and their continued work to improve and grow transit service in this region.”
