MARTA Taking Proactive Security Measures in Response to Boston Explosions

In case you ride MARTA, read about their new security protocols.

Our friends at MARTA have just sent Cascade Patch a press release about the security changes that they are implementing after the deadly Boston Marathon bombings. According to the written statement by Cara Hodgson, MARTA is "heightening security on the transit system." Hodgson says that there are no imminent threats towards the transit system or its riders, but that they want to be proactive and take this opportunity to be even safer. MARTA is taking the following proactive measures: The MARTA Police Department (MPD) is working directly with federal, state and local agencies, including the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) and the Transit Security Administration (TSA) in Washington, D. C. to stay updated on any recommendations …

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MARTA's New Year's Eve Schedule

Time, bus scheduling changes.

Downtown will have several activities for New Year's Eve including the Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome, the Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta and other events.     To accommodate these activities, MARTA is offering event rail service to transport riders to their destinations. Additional staff and police will be on hand to assist patrons. On New Year’s Eve, bus service will operate a regular weekday schedule.  Some bus routes will be rerouted for both the Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade and Peach Drop.  Beginning at 4 p.m., buses serving Five Points will be rerouted to other stations through the end of regular service. These bus changes are listed as follows: Listed below are the stations most convenient to various New Year’s Eve events:  …

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Certain MARTA Fare Rate Increases Start Nov. 11

Fare changes part of scheduled three-year phase in.

by Patch Staff As part of the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's scheduled fare increase for Reduced Fare and Mobility fare products on take effect on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. The change was part of the previously announced three-year phased increases MARTA adopted for those fare types products during the Fiscal Year 2010 budgetary cycle. The phase-in was planned to mitigate the financial impact on the budgets of seniors and those with disabilities. The reduced fare and Mobility fare changes are as follows: Fare Type Current New Fare: 11.11.12 Reduced (Half-Fare) $0.95 $1 Mobility Base (One-Way) $3.80 $4 Mobility Pass $122 $128 The FY 2013 budget also included a “steady state” level of current bus and…

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MARTA Board Selects New GM

Keith T. Parker of San Antonio selected to head agency

MARTA Board Selects New GM

Keith T. Parker of San Antonio selected to head agency

The MARTA board of directors voted Thursday to select Keith T. Parker as MARTA’s next General Manager and Chief Executive Officer. Parker oversees all aspects of the San Antonio region's primary transit system, which provides bus, streetcar and paratransit service daily for nearly 150,000 riders. Before to taking the San Antonio job in 2009, Parker served as CEO for the Charlotte Area Transit System. Parker started in Charlotte in 2000 as Chief Operating Officer where he was responsible for bus and paratransit operations and helped develop light-rail plans for the transit system. He also served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Charlotte from 2004 through 2007, where his portfolio included the police and fire departments, as …

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MARTA Installs Security Cameras on Buses

All MARTA buses will have cameras by June 2013

Security cameras were installed on seven MARTA buses this week as part of the agency's effort to prevent crime on public transportation. The MARTA board of directors approved the $17 million project in 2011 and all buses are expected to have cameras installed by June 2013. The installations this week are part of a pilot program to test out the technology. Each bus will have 11 cameras — three outside and eight inside. The cameras capture real-time audio and video that feeds into a 17-inch monitor behind the driver for riders to use. “MARTA is dedicated to ensuring that all reasonable measures are taken to secure the safety of customers and employees,” MARTA Police Chief Wanda Dunham said in a statement. “We are confident that this …

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UPDATED: MARTA's Breeze Card Machines Still Down

Systemwide problems continue, so bring cash if you want to ride MARTA.

MARTA Breeze vending machines continue to experience delays systemwide. Customers are encouraged to bring cash for entry until debit and credit card function is restored. MARTA is increasing staff at several locations to reduce any inconvenience and help customers traverse the system with minimized delays. Earlier, MARTA said the debit card function was unavailable throughout the system, including Breeze vending machines, the Ride Store and online. MARTA customers are advised to continue to use cash until the specific cause of the problem has been isolated and corrected. In a statement, MARTA said it is working with its vendor, Cubic, fix the problem. Customer with questions should call Customer Information at 404.848.5000 or custserv@…

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Dump the Pump with MARTA

MARTA wants Atlantans to leave their cars at home and use public transportation tomorrow.

MARTA is encouraging people all over Atlanta to put their car keys away and use public transportation tomorrow as part of the national Dump the Pump Day. The transit system's website features a list of Dump the Pump Day facts about using public transit, including the obvious gas savings and congestion relief, but also points about saving money and providing job opportunities. Plus, they feature a commute calculator feature that takes into account the specifics of your personal commute and uses them to show just how much you would save by using public transportation. Buckhead is served by three MARTA rail stations: Lindbergh Center, Lenox and Buckhead. Also available is the free buc shuttle system, which has a line that provides service …

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No Increase for MARTA Fares

Fares for MARTA will remain $2.50 after a rate increase last year.

Buckhead residents that frequent MARTA will be happy to know MARTA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously on Monday that base passenger fares will hold staedy at $2.50 for the coming fiscal year. The $435 million fiscal 2013 operating budget also maintains the current level of most bus and rail services, the Atalnta Business Chronicle reported. While fares are not being increased, no merit or wage raises for employees were included either for the fifth year in a row. Board members approved a capital funds budget of $230.4 million and $141.6 million for debt service. MARTA sales taxes are projected to decline further by $130 million through fiscal 2016. Last October, MARTA raised the base fare from $2 to $2.50. Officials cited a need to …

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Michael Packer

3:28 pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2012

bulldogger, only time will tell. The TSPLOST vote is not a sure thing, although many may think it is.   more ›

Lindbergh MARTA Not Accepting Debit

Seven MARTA stations affected due to a system upgrade.

Debit cards cannot be used at Breeze Card vending machines at seven MARTA stations, including Lindbergh in Buckhead, until further notice due to a system upgrade, according to the transit system. The notice was posted this morning on MARTA's website. Customers can continue to use credit cards and cash, however. The seven stations dealing with this issue are North Springs, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Medical Center, Brookhaven, Lindbergh and Georgia State. All other stations and RideStores are not affected. Call 404-848-5000 or visit MARTA's website for more information.

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