The recent Shakira concert at State Farm Arena on June 2 highlighted MARTA’s struggles to meet the expectations of its users. An evening filled with excitement for concert-goers turned sour as maintenance issues and limited capacity dampened the experience for many attendees. Even Atlanta City Council member Matt Westmoreland, a supporter of public transit, expressed his frustration publicly, opting to ride a scooter home when faced with delays.
“In full transparency … between single-track miscommunication, and long-headways … decided to ride a scooter home from Five Points Station,” Westmoreland shared on X. He emphasized, “We have to do better, on multiple fronts, with MARTA’s $1.6 billion annual budget.”
This incident brings to light the complex interplay of public transportation systems and their ability to cater to large-scale events. While some may turn to alternative modes of transport such as scooters, these solutions only highlight the need for a more integrated transit strategy.
In the aftermath of the concert, feedback has been pouring in from the community, revealing a divided perception of MARTA. Some riders have praised the system for its convenience and perceived safety. One user reflected, “We’ve used public transportation in NY, Chicago, and DC and much prefer it to driving. We’ve never encountered any real danger on MARTA in comparison to experiencing threatening behavior while riding to areas in Brooklyn or the Bronx.”
However, this same individual called for improvements such as better parking and more customer service staff to cater to older riders. Another user echoed the sentiment that MARTA provides a more pleasant commuting experience, stating, “As return-to-office mandates continue, we are being reminded of the unavoidable time spent commuting to and from the office. I found that I would arrive at the office in a much better mood using MARTA.”
Contrasting these positive remarks are significant concerns regarding MARTA’s unpredictability and feelings of unsafety. One dissatisfied rider expressed frustration with the system’s failure to adhere to promised schedule changes. “I fully understand the need to maintain the system but struggle to understand how other major transit systems can do work at night, whereas MARTA subjects weekend daytime riders to disruption,” they remarked.
Another rider challenged the portrayal of public safety improvements. While official statistics may indicate a drop in incidents, their reality is perceived differently by the public. “Sure, the official crime statistics may show improvements. But safety isn’t just about what’s reported — it’s about how it feels,” the individual stated. They contrasted their transit experiences in New York, where a bustling atmosphere provides a sense of order, to MARTA’s quieter, often deserted stations.
Concerns voiced in the feedback suggest that perceptions about safety and reliability are critical for transportation systems looking to increase ridership. These sentiments were echoed by former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel during a podcast with journalist Ezra Klein, where he articulated that public safety is fundamentally a matter of perception.
Emanuel remarked, “Nobody walks around going, ‘You know what? I feel 22% safer in 2024 than I did in 2023. Crime’s a feeling, a sense of a — a place of mind.”
Thus, a key challenge for MARTA moving forward is to alter these public perceptions, a task that appears more daunting as ridership has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. With a substantial budget of $1.6 billion at its disposal, MARTA must develop strategies that ensure would-be riders feel safe, confident in service frequency, and assured that there is adequate capacity to accommodate both locals and tourists attending major events like the World Cup.
In conclusion, the incident surrounding the Shakira concert serves as a wake-up call for MARTA to consider both operational excellence and public perception. As feedback continues to flow from the community, it remains essential to prioritize these insights to enhance the overall transportation experience across metro Atlanta.
For those with additional feedback, letters can be submitted to the editor at [email protected], with limitations of 200 words, including name and city. The conversation surrounding public transportation remains ongoing, and community input is vital for future improvements.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/opinion/2025/06/marta-suffers-from-problems-both-real-and-perceived-our-readers-say/
