Students Set New MARTA Transit Record
Two students visited all 38 MARTA rail stations in just over three hours on August 14, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Running
Live Poll
Do you trust your local public transit system to operate reliably on a daily basis?
Andrew Zhang and Ayush Maini successfully traveled to every MARTA rail station on August 14, 2026, finishing their route in 3 hours, 7 minutes, and 37 seconds. The pair started their journey at North Springs station and completed it at Indian Creek station.
Why it matters
The students completed this challenge to secure a Guinness World Records title and generate awareness for the benefits of public transit. Their feat showcases how data-driven route planning can optimize the use of city rail systems.
The transit attempt encompassed all 38 stations across the MARTA rail system. The duo surpassed the previous record, set in January 2026, by a margin of 14 minutes.
The players
Andrew Zhang
He is a student who collaborated on the project to complete the transit challenge.
Ayush Maini
He is a student who worked alongside Andrew Zhang to optimize and complete the MARTA station route.
Guinness World Records
This is an internationally recognized authority that tracks and verifies record-breaking achievements.
MARTA
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority operates the public transportation system serving the city.
The details
Zhang and Maini utilized a specialized solver based on General Transit Feed Specification data to identify the most efficient route across the rail network. During the attempt, the duo documented their progress by photographing every station and recording video at the start and end points.
Timeline
January 2026: A previous record was set for visiting all MARTA stations.
August 14, 2026: Andrew Zhang and Ayush Maini completed their record-breaking transit challenge.
Season Trajectory
This performance follows the pattern set by the January 2026 MARTA transit record by establishing a new, faster benchmark for the system. By pushing the boundaries of network efficiency, the pair has set a new standard for future transit enthusiasts attempting the same challenge.
The transit time of 3 hours, 7 minutes, and 37 seconds provides a new baseline for anyone attempting to navigate the entirety of the MARTA rail network. This record proves that route-optimization software can significantly reduce travel times across the local public infrastructure.
The takeaway
This effort highlights how public transit can be navigated with extreme efficiency through analytical planning. For local commuters, it serves as a reminder that understanding system-wide data can unlock faster ways to move through the city.
What happens next
Guinness World Records is expected to announce the final certification status of the transit attempt in several months.
Further reading
Learn more about local endurance challenges and community milestones on our Running page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Live Poll
Do you trust your local public transit system to operate reliably on a daily basis?
