Community Corner

Do You Think MARTA Is Safe?

With a new policy aimed at nuisance riders, a "See and Say" mobile app to anonymously report suspicious activity and recently installed security cameras, do you think MARTA is safe enough for your transportation needs?

The old slogan said, "MARTA is smarta'." But is Atlanta's regional transportation system safe or peaceful?

On Monday, the MARTA Board of Directors approved a new "Ride with Respect" policy aimed at nuisance riders who make the overall MARTA experience less enjoyable.

"'Ride With Respect' was prompted by concerns from existing and potential MARTA customers and the policy was drafted with input from scores of community stakeholders," according to a release from MARTA.

The new policy goes into effect Nov. 9.

The new code of conduct prohibits solicitation, selling goods or services, loud music, spitting, littering, eating on transit vehicles, drinking on transit vehicles without re-sealable drink containers, fighting and disruptive behavior– many of which are also state law violations and could result in arrest, along with suspension from the transit system.

“Moving forward, MARTA will no longer tolerate bad behavior on our system,” stated MARTA Board Chairman Frederick L. Daniels Jr. in a MARTA release. “We are asking the community, elected officials and customers to join us in raising the bar and reinforcing the expectation that everyone deserves a safe, efficient and enjoyable ride on MARTA.”

Recently, MARTA also unveiled its new "See and Say" mobile app, which allows riders to report suspicious activity anonymously.

Additionally, MARTA installed 11 cameras on each of its MARTA buses, and in April, began installing them on its rail cars as well. The cameras capture real-time audio and video that feeds into a 17-inch monitor behind the driver.

Keith T. Parker, MARTA’s GM/CEO, said riders "should have the freedom to sit quietly and enjoy a peaceful ride on MARTA. 'Ride With Respect’ reaffirms our commitment to our customers and employees by curtailing undesirable behavior on our system.”


But will the new "Ride With Respect" campaign, along with the "See and Say" mobile app that allows riders to report suspiscious activity anonymously, help you feel safer on MARTA? Are you more likely to use MARTA for your transportation needs because of these new initiatives?


Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.










Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Buckhead