MARTA is under scrutiny after service disruptions were reported during and after a recent concert in Atlanta, highlighting persistent challenges the transit agency faces during large events.
According to statements from MARTA, single-tracking was implemented due to a mechanical issue late Monday night.
However, the agency did not immediately respond to inquiries from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution regarding the specifics of the mechanical failure.
Multiple service alerts highlighted that MARTA was grappling with various issues that evening, including staff shortages and a power problem at the Five Points station coinciding with the concert’s start.
The mechanical failure necessitated single-tracking at major stations, including Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Civic Center.
Amidst the disruptions, Atlanta City Council member Matt Westmoreland, who attended the concert, expressed frustration with the delays.
Initially enthusiastic about using MARTA for the concert, describing it as a faster and cheaper alternative to a car or scooter, Westmoreland took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his post-concert experience.
He noted that due to miscommunication about the single-tracking and lengthy waiting times, he opted to use a scooter for his return home from Five Points Station.
In an interview, Westmoreland explained that his group missed two northbound trains due to a lack of announcements about the single-tracking issue in the station.
Though a MARTA employee helped direct them to the correct platform, the sight of a nearly 20-minute wait for the next train prompted his decision to leave the transit system for a scooter.
Reflecting on the incident, Westmoreland stated it is disheartening to witness MARTA struggle with service reliability, especially during significant events, which could deter potential new riders from utilizing the transit system.
The agency faced similar complaints of long wait times during last fall’s Atlanta Pride celebrations, leading to a reevaluation of weekend track work schedules.
Westmoreland pointed out that there was a bittersweet sentiment regarding the $1.6 billion annual budget allocated for MARTA, noting that the service’s performance seems to have declined since the introduction of a half-cent sales tax for transit expansion approved by voters in 2016.
As MARTA gears up for high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup and Club World Cup, concerns have been raised about the agency’s ability to manage increased ridership demand effectively.
Darin Givens, co-founder of the urban advocacy group ThreadATL, emphasized the importance of pedestrian experience during major events, stating that adverse experiences could dissuade first-time riders from using MARTA again.
He remarked on the significance of presenting public transit in a positive light during such events, noting that service shortcomings reflect poorly on MARTA’s long-term goals to attract new riders.
Givens stressed the need for better communication when service disruptions occur, emphasizing that MARTA should be adequately prepared for unplanned issues instead of surprising riders once they arrive at the stations.
MARTA officials plan to use the upcoming Club World Cup as a trial run for the FIFA World Cup, aiming to enhance public transit awareness and encourage fans to utilize transit for attending the matches.
Highlighting the agency’s experience with large events, MARTA asserts its critical role as a backbone for Atlanta’s event infrastructure, effectively accommodating massive crowds during Super Bowls, national championship games, and NCAA events.
For the upcoming Club World Cup, MARTA has announced plans to run additional trains before and after the games, as well as implementing a pregame shuttle service between Five Points and the Georgia World Congress Center stations.
There will also be transit ambassadors and police on hand throughout the system to improve safety and assist riders.
Despite the preparations for the World Cup, Westmoreland asserts that daily service improvements must not be overlooked.
He believes MARTA’s dwindling ridership figures reveal the need for more reliable service to cater to the Atlanta residents who rely on public transportation on a daily basis.
“It’s not just about hosting eight World Cup games,” he remarked.
“It’s about the hundreds of thousands of people who call Atlanta home and want predictability and stability in their transit system.”
Similarly, Givens echoed the sentiment, recognizing that while MARTA has historically proven effective during significant events, this success has not translated into consistent improvements for weekday riders.
He concluded that while MARTA’s temporary enhancements for special events may be commendable, there needs to be a more sustained focus on improving everyday service for its passengers.
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