MARTA bus operators have safety concerns; snow led to bus service disruptions

Leroy Ramos – On January 3, bus operator Leroy Ramos was shot and killed by a passenger at Decatur Station. MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood addressed it at the January 9 meeting, calling the shooting “harrowing,” “tragic,” and “shocking.” Greenwood described it as an example of “how once-common interactions have now devolved into violent exchanges” and said “we cannot continue this way as a society.” It was first alleged that the argument occurred over a fare dispute, but it is unclear if that was the main catalyst for the shooting.

Leroy Ramos’ sister was the first to speak in the public comment section at the January 9 meeting. She emphasized that Ramos did not sign up to put his life on the line when operating a city bus.

Britt Dunams, the President of the Local 732 chapter of the Amalgamated Transit Union, presented a list of demands to increase operator and passenger safety, including bus redesigns with emergency exit doors on the left for drivers, paid in-person de-escalation training, passenger fines for disruption and violence, better safety funding, and seats for MARTA employees on the public hearing board. The ATU has removed the original press release on the incident, which criticized MARTA’s lack of safety precautions for operators, from their website. 

The response by MARTA is, of course, to increase MARTA Police presence, but an extensive 2021 report by TransitCenter shows that more transit cops don’t keep riders or operators safer.

The story has fanned out over national and international media, sparking sensationalized headlines about a driver “killed over $2.50” and interviews with other MARTA operators about feeling unsafe on the job. Even in this difficult climate, MARTA is attempting to hire more bus operators. Pay starts at $20 an hour.

A few days before the shooting, WSB-TV published a sensationalized piece about passengers feeling like they need to “look over their shoulder” while riding MARTA and stories of witnessing “stabbings, people jumping in front of trains, drug activity, and even homicide investigations.” It was a frustrating and stigmatizing characterization of a mostly safe transit system. This type of reporting makes more Atlantans unnecessarily afraid to try MARTA.

NextGen Bus Network Meetings – MARTA is offering "more than thirty" opportunities for the public to make their voices heard on the NextGen Bus Network draft proposal, including a variety of virtual and in-person options. (MARTA)

Unhoused man accidentally killed – While clearing an encampment around noon on Jan 16, the Department of Public Works failed to adequately check the tents before clearing and accidentally killed an unhoused man with a city vehicle. (Rough Draft Atlanta) A vigil is being held for the man and his community across from Ebenezer Baptist Church at 6pm tonight. (Housing Justice League)

Snow disruptions – What started as huge snowflakes on the morning of Jan. 10 thawed into a slushy mix, then partially re-froze into ice. Many Atlantans enjoyed the beauty of a rare 1.5 inch snowfall, and kids and grown-ups fashioned makeshift sleds out of cardboard, swimming floats, and laundry baskets to slide down Piedmont Park’s hills. But the winter storm was still a major disruption to the city, including MARTA, which halted bus service all day on Friday and slowly phased bus routes back into service across three days, which frustrated some customers as bus service remained unavailable, even after many businesses had reopened and motorists were expected to be on the road – meaning folks were expected to be at work, but were unable to take the bus. 

BRT bumps – The construction of the Summerhill Bus Rapid Transit has run up against unforeseen difficulties, including a previously-unknown underground parking deck, because it’s Atlanta – why wouldn’t there be a random parking deck? Construction of the Summerhill BRT may be delayed until 2026. The projected cost of the Campbellton Rd BRT is now $319 million and has a projected completion date of 2030; they will need to adjust some of the planning of the bike lanes.

Cleveland Ave & Metropolitan Pkwy Arterial Rapid Transit (ART, an enhanced bus service though not quite BRT) are not expected to be complete until 2028. MARTA’s webpage for the project has not been updated, still reading "Current Status: Final design near completion. Construction expected to begin in Fall 2023 with service beginning in early 2025." (Thread ATL)

Streetcar service will resume today after Georgia Power’s emergency repairs on the route. (MARTA)

Pedestrians unsafe – Reckless drivers and poor sidewalks make walking unsafe, the AJC points out. Atlanta's lack of walkability affects Atlantans' physical and mental health. Although the city approved $148 million for 68 sidewalk improvement projects in 2022, none of these projects have been completed. Many parts of the city, even wealthier areas like Buckhead, lack sidewalks entirely.

Football – Attending the College Football Playoff National Championship Game? You can take MARTA to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Harper Skatepark – A new skatepark opened in Atlanta’s District 12 – “a place where residents can connect, stay active, and thrive.” The skatepark is inside Harper Park, located at the intersection of Wilson Rd, Southside Industrial Parkway, and Harper Blvd.

Celebrating Dr. King – MARTA unveiled their annual bus commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. (MARTA)

Have a great weekend!