Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > June > 16 > Entry
A Beginner’s Guide to MARTA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s not so hard to pick out MARTA newcomers. They’re the ones with their eyes locked on the route map for the entire ride, who turn riders with big, shaky eyes that say, “Is this East or West?”
Be kind to them. It’s hard to buy that first Breeze card and give up the car, even just for a ride downtown or to the airport. (Don’t care whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time Atlanta driver…it’s not so hard to give up $4.03 gas.)
I’ve been happy with my train-riding experience so far, but I haven’t taken a bus yet. Certainly, there are horror stories, although I’ve seen plenty of horrors on the road, too.
Rather than letting the bad parts intimidate, we’re going to try to help each other out. The AJC is building a beginner’s guide to MARTA, and we want your help, from rider etiquette tips to little secrets about the stations you frequent. Do you have to take the everlasting escalator at Peachtree Center? Will your cell phone reception always cut out when the train doors close? If you end up on the wrong Northbound train, what’s the easiest way to backtrack?
My take on things…
- For a gentler, less sardine-like ride, take the train that starts and ends at Candler Park during high-traffic hours, if you can. It’s worth waiting for.
- Start asking for directions based on MARTA. I’m rarely happier than when it’s a short walk from the train. (That’s how I found someone to alter my bridesmaid’s dress — I asked a local bridal shop if they had recommendations off MARTA. Ta da! Dress! And it even fits!) I wonder: if we ask often enough, maybe people will just offer them up automatically?
- Don’t talk to people with headphones. If they wanted to listen to you, they wouldn’t be blasting their iPods with Garrison Keillor or Lil Wayne or Royksopp, now would they?
You can share your helpful ideas and MARTA-isms in the comments or if you want to go into more detail and offer up your name, you can always write me at jgumbrecht@ajc.com. (To be credited in the story, we need full names.)
Other questions? Newcomer tries to get answers. Leave your Atlanta ‘n’ Georgia questions in the comments or in my e-mail at jgumbrecht@ajc.com. I’ll try to answer them for all the other newcomers and inquiring minds in Friday’s blog post.
Permalink | Comments (58) | Post your comment | Categories: Getting Around
Comments
By Jeff
June 16, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
My biggest tip:
NEVER go on MARTA alone at night without a CCP and Taser C2 (or something more powerful, if you desire. I prefer the Taser C2 because it is a defensive weapon that will let you put someone down and get away without the messiness of bullets. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the police investigations that get crazy when someone dies.)
Remember, I’m a fairly large man (6’1” 250) and a pretty decent fighter - I wouldn’t go up against a Marine, but your normal street thug doesn’t stand a chance one on one with me - and I STILL swear by the advice above.
Of course, on those RARE occassions when I’m on MARTA at night, I’m typically with my bro who is slightly bigger, much stronger, though not quite as good a fighter as me. MOST people see two adult males, each roughly 6’ 250 or better, and don’t bother us…
By Maura
June 16, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
On the escalators, walk left, stand right.
By Lindbergh
June 16, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
I ride every day during peak hours on the northern half of the rail system and have had no incidents. I’ve only had the token bums sleeping in seats and seen some entrepreneurs panhandling or “selling” stolen newspapers. I would not ride after dark, especially south or west of Five Points, unless I had a concealed handgun, as I’ve seen YouTube videos of drunks and druggies rendering tasers ineffective. Add summer heat into the equation and you get some really desperate characters…
By Rider
June 16, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Jeff brings up a good point. Riding MARTA will mean mixing with poor people, who often have some cultural differences from middle class people. They aren’t actually dangerous (I mean really, the AJC is full of stories of violent attacks, but almost never on MARTA).
However, it’s always a little uncomfortable to have to mix with people who behave differently than we expect- you may encounter groups of people on MARTA who are very loud or walk around like they “own the place”. It tends to make people fearful. But it’s a great opportunity to get over being afraid of poor blacks.
By Jeff
June 16, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
Rider:
You might want to know who you’re talking to before you go off and make assinine remarks like that.
For the record, I’ve worked in some of the poorest areas of the state, and I’ve worked in alternative schools and other Juvenile Justice-linked facilities.
I’ve spent the majority of my professional career working with minorities and poor people, and I didn’t come from THAT much growing up myself.
What have YOU done - other than voting for politicians who will bankrupt this once-great nation by trying to ‘help’ those who won’t bother even TRYING to help themselves?
By Vinnie T Bell
June 16, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
I’ve ridden MARTA daily for about 11 years now, and here are some tips:
1 - Trains originating at North Springs will go to Southbound to the airport. If there’s a stop north of North Springs, that’s news to me (can’t tell you how many times sombody boards there and asks, “Does this train go to the airport?”)
2 - Look at the signs. If you want to go East, look for a sign that says “Eastbound.” West, “Westbound,” etc.
3 - If it’s after 9pm and you’re boarding at the Airport going to N. Springs, then you will need to switch trains at Lindbergh.
4 - Do your homework by checking out www.itsmarta.com if you plan on riding. It’s a pretty simple system, and it only takes a minute to acquaint yourself with what train you need to catch.
By sweet
June 16, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
RIDER IS POOR WHITE TRASH, LOOK IN THE MIRROR RIDER AND YOU WILL SEE WHITE TRASH LOOKING BACK AT YOU
By Another rider
June 16, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Riding late at night south of Five Points is fine because there are a lot of regular folks on the train. A lot of people that work at the airport take the train, in addition to the people catching a flight.
And when there’s a shift change at the airport, you’d be surprised how crowded and noisy the train can get, even at midnight.
By Harlan Sanders
June 16, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
For all you newcomers to Atlanta, this is what your fellow MARTA occupants will look and act like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eXNClwV5AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cragF06qGc
Any Questions?
By Baylee
June 16, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Actually, Jeff, you may not have intended it, but your post does come off as racist and elitist at best. First, you give a directive on how to neatly assualt them with a taser, and then you came back with your incredibly defensive rant, bragging about how you’ve spent your life you “working” with the states underpriviledged people. Don’t you mean working them OVER??? Anyway, I don’t buy it. You’re a fake.
Regarding, lower income people and mentally unstable riders on MARTA, my experience has, generally, been that if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you.
By mirandah
June 16, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
I take the train from West End to North Springs to work almost every day. I am more relaxed at the end of my work day, have caught up on my personal reading, and get a short walk in (four blocks) that benefits my health. As to the “poor white trash” comment? I’m white and have a six figure income. Taking the train will help my dollars stay that way, since I’m filling my tank about 1x a month rather than 4x a month.
MARTA’s been great so far. I hope the AJC continues to write encouraging features that reduce the “fear factor.”
By hotlanta
June 16, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
It is a shame that cities like New York, London and Paris have great transit systems where folks ride it everyday but when it comes to MARTA folks act like it is the worst thing in the world. With gas getting ready to top at $5.00 a gallon MARTA will be necessary. It is amazing to how they are talking about MARTA when you have a greater chance of getting carjacked or having a gun in your face form road rage.
By hotlanta
June 16, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
It is a shame that cities like New York, London and Paris have great transit systems where folks ride it everyday but when it comes to MARTA folks act like it is the worst thing in the world. With gas getting ready to top at $5.00 a gallon MARTA will be necessary. It is amazing to how they are talking about MARTA when you have a greater chance of getting carjacked or having a gun in your face form road rage.
By Convinced
June 16, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
I rode MARTA this weekend for the 1st time in YEARS. NEVER AGAIN! The area where you have to wait for the trains is hot and muggy, the trians take far too long to arrive (15 min), there arent enough signs posted to get you to the right direction. My fried had to pay for her trip twice bc her breeze card just magically stopped working, then once we finally did make it back to the Sandy Springs station we had to walk down Mt. Vernon Hwy just to get back to the parking deck where our car was located bc once we exited the train we had no idea in which direction the parking garage was so at 1 am I’m out walking the streets of Dunwoody. Next time I’m taking my car. Marta is a joke!
By Jane
June 16, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Every woman should be cautious going anywhere after dark; I don’t know why MARTA gets all the bad stigma. Dark parking decks around the city are going to offer the same amount of danger that MARTA has, or maybe even more since MARTA actually has security officers (laughs to herself). I’ve never felt unsafe on MARTA and I mainly use the East/West line and live out toward the west side of town.
Here are some tips for women (I use them myself):
-Always be aware of your surroundings, and let someone know if something doesn’t feel right.
-Don’t look so dang nervous. People will be more likely to harrass you if you look too uptight. Calm down! (Even though it’s highly unlikely that anyone will harrass you.)
-If you take a train to your car at the end of the day, have your keys ready - the parking lot is more dangerous than the train would ever be!
-Always let someone you trust know your daily routine, whether it be a close friend, a family member, a significant other, whoever.
-Be courteous to other passengers, and keep your dirty looks to yourself.
(These are good tips for day-to-day life, not just for MARTA riding.)
By JeremiahWright
June 16, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Marta’s just not practical. To get any where you really want to go you have ride the bus for part of the trip. And I ain’t gonna ride the bus.
By Ben
June 16, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
I ride Marta everyday with my wife. We both work at ATT. We get on in Decatur and go to 5 pts, change north and I get off at North Avenue and she goes on to Limberg. We are a one car family and love the convenience and love not buying gas but once a month.
Here is the down side…I call it the “annoyance factor”. Marta will give you a quick education on how many people, well, lack and education. I am talking about no appropriate social skills, blatant disregard for their fellow passengers and often down right rude behavior. These types have no problem playing their headphones so loud we all the pleasure of listening to their rhythmic thump thump..also not controlling their children or just being LOUD!! Cell phone usage etc. I have seen them throw trash on the floor of a train full of people and act like that is acceptable behavior.
Anyway, I digress…all in all If you can be tolerant of people with no home training you will find MARTA is fine. The savings in gas and pollutants makes the Cretins tolerable.
By Darin
June 16, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Awesome work, AJC. Be sure to not moderate or edit any comments on the blogs. That way, the hateful, bile-filled comments that clog any peice on MARTA, OTP vs. ITP, gun laws, or gay rights will be easily readable and can snuff out any attempt at reasonable conversation or exchange of ideas.
Stay classy, Atlanta!
By Not Surprised
June 16, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
It’s interesting to see that most of the nay-sayers about MARTA can only point to one, maybe two, bad experiences on the train. Sorry, sometimes you’ll get stuck on a bum train, just like sometimes you’ll get stuck on 85 because of the idiots who fly down the highway and end up playing bumper cars with each other. That’s life. I ride the train to work everyday and it’s much more relaxing than having to dodge the drivers in the city who can’t/won’t use turn signals and treat every stop light like a drag strip. If more ‘middle class’ people got over themselves and used the system more often, it would probably improve a little bit due to the increased revenue. And yes, you may encounter the wanna-be thug every now and then but in my experience the bark is always louder than the bite. Hooray for mass transit!
By James
June 16, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
For great schedule information, try the brand new Google Transit. MARTA has uploaded all of its schedules to Google to make it easier to plan a transit trip. It beats trying to figure out all the routes in the system. It just started this month in Atlanta and is a great way to figure out how to get from place to place using a simple place name or address and getting directions (much like Google maps). www.google.com/transit
By Tech
June 16, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
I ride the train from my apartment in buchead to Tech every school day. Tech offers a great “tech trolley” from MARTA to th university.
By Lois
June 16, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
My gripe is about bus riders who do not have enough money on their Breeze cards. The buses often stop until the passenger adds each penny. This is an unnecessary delay. I have been on a bus that had 6 people adding money to their cards (at one stop). It added another 10 minutes to the ride because the bus did not move until each person had added their money, which apparently was pennies!
By Time Out
June 16, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Ok, let me first state that I am a black guy, now having said that, Marta, and downtown in general has gone straight to h**l. Saturday I was downtown to attend an event and as we were leaving the function, while in my car, we were attacked by thugs who for whatever reason decided to stand in the middle of traffic and just start “partying” in the streets. They were actually trying to get into the car and would not move from the front of the car. These people had just left the five points station. During this time the people would not get out of the way of the car, and I was thinking if I had just gunned it, I could have possibly been charged if I ran over one of them. Let me say also that I grew up here in the S.W.A.T.’s and I love being around my people, it’s one of those: “you can’t live with them, you can’t live without them”. After this weekend, when I retire in 7 years and after my parents are no longer here, I am getting the heck out of dodge, and never looking back. It is just not the same anymore. These “kids” are nothing but Thugs, including the women and if this is the new face of “The ATL” you can have it.
And might I also say that after I saw an opening I gunned it to the next block, and guess who was at the next block witnessing the whole event? You guessed it ATL’s finest just sitting there on his bike. Just Damn!
By Sobecat
June 16, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Problem is, for the most part, that since Marta is so limited, the only people who regulary take it are people without cars (other than airport transport and sports events). Generally, not always, your people without cars are your people without jobs. Generally, not always, your people without jobs are your people that tend to like to cause problems for others.
By Jeff
June 16, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
On the general self-defense front:
Look like prey, and a predator will attack at any time he chooses.
Look like a predator, and another predator will evaluate you first to see if you weaker than he is.
Look like the baddest mama-jama predator in the country, and you don’t have to worry about 99% of the other predators out there.
And here is the key: You do NOT have to actually BE that biggest mama-jama predator. Again, here as in most other cases: The VAST majority of the time, appearance is everything.
(Take myself and my bro, for example. In reality, we are two of the gentlest people you will ever meet - though it is still not advisable to push us too far, MOST of the time we wouldn’t hurt a fly if it could be avoided. Yet when we are out at night in an unfamiliar town - or even during the day if the area looks sketchy -, we adopt a much more imposing look. Know how many times we’ve ever actually had to ENFORCE that look? NEVER. knocking on wood!)
By Tulsa
June 16, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Don’t ride MARTRA unless you want to be attacked by savages. When I’m forced to ride I carry a .45 automatic and I am prepared to use it. Atlanta has become the Mecca for inner city thugs from around the country. If one of the gangstas approaches you, pull out your piece and let him have it.
By Najeh Davenpoop
June 16, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
I ride MARTA at least once a week and I’ve never felt unsafe, even once. Sorry to be so blunt, but if MARTA scares you you are a p-ssy, I’m sorry.
And who knows? You might even get to experience some quality entertainment…
By Sobecat
June 16, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
MARTA during the day (or at night if there is an event at the Dome or Philips) isn’t the least bit scary.
By Bob
June 16, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Curious:
MARTA was never pleasant over the past 25 years, but it sounds like its a lot worse lately. I used to ride it to/from the Airport back in 00-03. When did it get get really bad all the time? The past 5 years?
By Chad
June 16, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Come on face it, ninety per cent of MARTA riders are people with low paying jobs that can’t afford a car. This is not like NY or Chicago where you see people taking public transportation with a car back home in the garage that cost 50 grand. Some trips on MARTA during the daylight hours to a Braves game or a one time event, maybe. Taking that smelly hot train on a regular basis, hell no. I see half the people skipping paying and cheating, the MARTA cops are jokes and half the young men look at my laptop like it’s a Friday pay check for them. You need a translator to understand what other people are saying. The few times I have taken the train I keep my eyes on my book and hope everyone leaves me alone. I have never been assaulted on MARTA but I have been made to feel ‘uncomfortable’ a few times with stares from people who look different than people I normally deal with on a day to day basis.
By atlin83
June 16, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
I’ve been riding MARTA for about six years on an almost-daily basis, and here’s what I have to offer.
1) take the bus, not just the train. for a system that “doesn’t go anywhere,” you can get nearly anywhere you need using the bus routes.
2) use the schedules. you can get them at some stations and online. even the train has a schedule. don’t just show up at a bus stop or station and expect things to show up immediately.
3) check MARTA’s website to see if there’s construction. if the train is single-tracking, it might change your ride; check online and see, so it’s not a surprise and you know what to do. listen to the PA announcements at stations, too, when you can understand them (old speakers, i guess).
pretty much standard advice - do a little research about where you’re going and how to get there. MARTA’s got a diverse ridership base, of all kinds of races, incomes, and personalities. in nearly 6 years, riding at all times of day and night, i’ve not been threatened, intimidated, injured, etc. i’ve been panhandled, much like in downtown, as well as suburban strip malls, but like always, it’s no big deal to say no. MARTA’s apparently won lots of awards for system safety, and what I’ve seen reflects that.
remember, this is public transportation. even though it’s cheaper for you, and more efficient and economic for all of us in the Atlanta region, it’s still underfunded. so yeah, outdoor stations will be hot in summer and cold in winter, and MARTA’s not going to serve you peanuts and drinks on the way. it will, however, get you where you need to go, and if you learn how to use it and actually pay attention to the schedules, it’ll be a painless and fine experience.
By MARTA Evangelist
June 16, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
I laugh every time I read a comment like “ninety per cent of MARTA riders are people with low paying jobs that can’t afford a car” and “the only people who regulary [sic] take it are people without cars”. It is obvious these people have very limited MARTA experience.
Sure, there are many people that use the system because it is their only choice. But there are also plenty of us (well above 10%) that use the system because we choose to. I have a very good job that I take a train and a bus to everyday. I also have a very nice vehicle that I have used exactly once in the last 3 weeks. Yes, I use the system during the day, night, and weekends mostly because that is the most convenient for me. Other benefits include not sending my wealth to the Middle East and being able to drink as much as I want when I am out
By dreez614
June 16, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
I have lived in Atlanta my whole entire life and I have never had a problem riding MARTA. It’s my personal opinion that you can be made to feel uncomfortable anywhere. Sometimes you just have to deal with it, however unfortunate it might be. Most of the people you find on MARTA just want to be left alone after a hard days work just like anyone of us. MARTA has its share of problems but you could do a lot worse.
By hotlanta
June 16, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Evangelist don’t pay these folks no mind. These are probably some of the same people who got sex from that prositute that lived in Country Club of the South or they probably got some dope from that Roswell mansion last week. What about the low class folks that I see with their feet on the glove comparment. Don’t nobody wanna see your crusty toes.
By hotlanta
June 16, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Evangelist don’t pay these folks no mind. These are probably some of the same people who got sex from that prositute that lived in Country Club of the South or they probably got some dope from that Roswell mansion last week. What about the low class folks that I see with their feet on the glove comparment. Don’t nobody wanna see your crusty toes.
By MARTAfan
June 16, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
@Chad: Your “ninety percent of MARTA riders” and “half the people skipping paying” statistics are gross exaggerations, if not out-and-out fabrications. People can’t skip paying fares anymore, after the new Breeze Card system was implemented and the new turnstiles installed.
I have taken MARTA to work for the last 8 years. I used to take it from Brookhaven station to work downtown, but now I park at West End and ride to my job a short distance away from Medical Center station. I also take MARTA to the airport and to sporting events downtown.
Every once in a while I’ll see a panhandler on the train, but I’ve never encountered anything worse than that, in my 8 years of riding.
It’s high time people learned about the alternatives to paying $4.00+/gallon and sitting in endless bumper-to-bumper traffic on the connector for hours each, with all the crazies out there suffering from road rage. I’ll take MARTA over gridlock on the interstates any day.
By Bill
June 16, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Dear Curious: Marta has not changed that much, the nature of inner city youth has. The hip hop culture and thug lifestyle has made these little punks try and look and act bad…they are just nasty
By 10kWatts
June 16, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
I am a female and have taken MARTA to work for the past 5 years. I have yet to have an encounter serious enough for me to deem MARTA as “unsafe”.Yes, you have your thuggish types, your beggars,your loud mouths, and the ones that are just down right disrespectful. However,I just look them in their eyes, keep my head up, and keep it moving.HOWEVER, I do carry “OC” spray in my purse and I will not hesitate for a second to use it.BTW, anyone know where I can buy a taser gun ? LoL
By Chamblee Station
June 16, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
I take the bus/train/shuttle everyday and I cannot begin to tell you what a riot it is riding MARTA - you will see some of the funniest characters - the more you people watch the more fun you can have!!!
I take my camera phone and videotape some of the nutbags on the bus/train - just pretend you are texting….I tried taking pictures but it snapped -
Some thoughts however.
Please wear deoderant it is amazing how many people don’t bother to bathe or put on deoderant and I am NOT talking about anyone homeless or anything - these are people who are on the bus/train at 6am heading to work
You can tell the nervous groups of people who rarely ride the train - they are the ones who speak REALLY LOUD about their stocks or bank accounts
Attention SMOKERS there are designated smoking areas near the buses AWAY from the crowd - please do us all a favor and go stand over there - noone wants to smell your bad habit
By Kimberly
June 16, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
My beef with MARTA is that our previous “civic leaders” had absolutely no foresight whatsoever when they planned the MARTA railway. It seriously needs to be expanded. I would be on MARTA EVERY DAY IF (I stress the ‘IF’) it actually was easier for me to access it; as in, it goes OUTSIDE of I285. By the time I make it through that bottle-neck, what is the point of me getting on? After I cross the perimeter, I only have another 10-minute ride, 8 or so miles, to work. I’d love to save on my gas, too! The few times I’ve been to our nation’s capitol, the beautiful Washington, D.C., I’ve ridden the METRO… and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! Even the busses! It actually goes in multiple directions, other than just North/South, East/West! Had our city fathers thought ahead even just a little, and planned something other than a “token” rail system, MARTA wouldn’t be an absolute joke. Yes, it’s great for all the folks that are close to it, but for all of us folks who want a less expensive home, lower property taxes, and just flat-out don’t want to live in the city, but still have to drive there for work in order to make a decent living, MARTA leaves A LOT to be desired. ARE YOU CIVIC LEADERS LISTENING (READING)? And I’m NOT, NOT, NOT (!) just referring to the leaders of Fulton Co. and the City of Atlanta, either! At least they pay for/support MARTA! Hello, Cobb, Gwinnet, Fayette, and Henry Counties! Wake up!
By BPJ
June 16, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Driving is significantly more risky than any form of rail transportation. (And read “Time Out“‘s comments above for an illustration of what can happen when one is behind the wheel of a car.)
There is almost a literary form dedicated to I had a bad experience on MARTA I’ll never ride it again. Oddly, these same people can get stuck for an hour behind a wreck on the interstate, or get plowed into by a drunk driver, yet they never say I’ll never drive again. The way most of metro Atlanta is built, that’s hardly an option for most.
I ride MARTA, by choice, several times a week, and it’s generally good, and less stressful than driving. One reason is that my trips are on the North-South line, south of Lindbergh - which means that I don’t care whether a train is “North Springs” or “Doraville”, which means that “my” train comes by every 5 to 7 minutes.
I always read on the trains, and on the rare occasions when a panhandler has passed through, I shake my head and he moves on.
To repeat, driving is the most dangerous thing most of us do.
By Jeff
June 16, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
10KWatts:
http://www.taser.com
You have to go through a basic (online, obviously) background check before they’ll let you into the store area of the website, but the prices aren’t unreasonable. And the C2 comes in a variety of fashionable colors/prints, if you’re so inclined. (I personally prefer a more tactical black, but they have several solid colors and even camo and leopard print!)
By Corey
June 16, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
If the train is a six car train, ride the last car. The last car is always less crowded. You can often get a seat all to yourself even during rush hour. You may try the first car. It’s usually less crowded also. Never stand mid ways the platforms near the escalators and stairs because most people are too lazy to walk to where the last car stops and crowd onto the middle cars. Visit other cities transit system websites. You will be amazed at some of the gripes. They have some of the same problems MARTA has. Miami has one line that zigz zags from north to south, and trains run every thirty minutes after 7PM. In DC, people are constantly commenting about incompetence and the delays on the red line. Yes, DC’s system has had som derailments that resulted in injuries. I do not recall MARTA ever having trains derail. Single tracking can be a pain. But take into condiseration that MARTA’s rails have to be inspected and maintained. The system is only down between 1AM and 5AM. That is why on weekends there is often single tracking. I have never had any problems on MARTA. I guess I’m lucky. I gave up my car two years ago, and now I hate cars. When my co-workers complain about gas prices or the traffic, I sarcastically say, “Oh how I pity you and your car problems.” If you like to read, MARTA provides you with opportunity to sick your head in a book, but try and remember where you are. There have been times that I have been so engrossed in my reading and missed my stops.
By D. Dobber
June 16, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
I do not ride Marta because there are too many afro-americans on it and they are very violent people and have no manners.I do not feel safe.Why do they let people act that way? Just because your cousins in Africa are violent murderers and eat people does not mean that you have to act that way in America. The afro-americans should try and act civilized.
By Jonathan
June 16, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Why don’t they have shorter trains going through at more frequent intervals rather than long trains that only come through every 20 minutes (or more)? If it was more frequent, ridership would increase.
And what’s with the off peak schedule on northbound trains on nights when there are major events (or series of events) at the dome and Philips? I have left an event early, and it has taken me 2 hours to get back to the Brookhaven station. It’s easier to drive and pay $20, or even pay a cab $30 to get directly home in 15 minutes. Will Marta be refunding the hour and 45 minutes of my life that they stole that night, or how about the countless other hours of my life that they’ve wasted. No thanks. Get you crap together.
By Tamyra Ramsey
June 16, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Why do so many people have a problem with the bus? The bus is way better! For one thing, the air conditioning works. And we all know each other - we laugh and talk. The train is full of people who do not know each other and are typically rude. Anyway, the subject is a Beginner’s Guide to MARTA. Here are my tips.
1.) Do not come aboard and wrap your whole body around that pole. All of us standing need to get a hand on that pole, so stand back and let us all get a hand in there. That brings me to my other tip.
2.) Unless you paid two fares, get your stuff off the extra seat.
Nevertheless, it beats dragging the car around town.
By Pro-Marta
June 16, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
I take a MARTA bus and train to my job at Emory almost every day now, and I have been taking MARTA pretty regularly for the last 17 years. I have never had a problem. Sure, there are some people that you’d rather avoid, but if you don’t look scared and don’t bother them, they usually won’t bother you.
I like taking MARTA because:
Even though we have two newer model cars, I’m saving a lot of $$$ on gas.
I enjoy getting in some leisurely reading while someone else does the driving.
I’m saving a lot of $$$ on gas!!!
By humper
June 16, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
if you can..don’t ride MARTA..I don’t care what anyone says it is dangerous for us suburbanites to be near it. last time I rode the train was after the SoCo fest and we had to walk by some dark areas and some shady characters to get back to the station, then a bunch of braves fans crowded the train way beyond capacity and there NO Marta officials or security to be found.. hope MARTA never gets out to Gwinnett County!!
By humper
June 16, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Harland Sanders..just viewed your videos and unfortunately the theme is true..one thing I have to add though,is the african-americans on the train, when a bunch of drunk obnoxious white people (usually concert goers) get on, get real stuffy like they own the damn train…guess they’re thinkin “there goes the neighborhood”..LOL!!
By Jonquinellette
June 16, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
D. Dobber ain’t none of my people done be eatin folks on the train. They may steal and rape and such but show me one time they done eat somebody on the train.
By John
June 20, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Way too many thugs on MARTA. No thanks. Go back to New York.
By no
June 20, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Marta is the domain of baby mommas and the fatherless future felons of America.
By ATLGuy
June 24, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
BTW - MARTA is now on Google Transit!
For me, one of the barriers has always been looking up how to get to where I want to go. Google Transit fixes all that. Just type in your start and end direction, and it tells you what buses to take!
Just FYI !
By She
June 28, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
That’s funny, I thought this was supposed to be a “Beginner’s Guide to MARTA” thread, not “Let’s Malign MARTA and Its Patrons with the Same Trite Nonsense, Yet Again” thread.
Basic internet etiquette: If the posted topic is something that you don’t do or use, DO NOT hijack the thread with comments about why you don’t, and refuse to consider, using/doing whatever is being is discussed because of made-up statistics and one-time unpleasant experiences.
As for the grown men who are afraid to ride MARTA without a gun or a Taser…please seek help for your paranoia. There are not marauding throat-slitters lying in wait for you on every train. I’m a woman, not even 5’5” and I’ve ridden MARTA alone during every hour of the day and night that it operates and I’ve never felt I needed a weapon.
By FWIW
June 28, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this
Get on AND off the train on the RIGHT side of the doors, as you’re facing them. If passengers getting on stay to their right and passengers getting off stay to their right, people can get on and off at the same time without bumping into each other.
Once you get into or out of the train, KEEP GOING!!! Don’t stand right in front of the doors just inside or outside the train! How are the rest of use supposed to get in or out if you’re standing there, blocking the doors? If you’re not sure what to do or where to go when you get off, walk AWAY from the train for several steps, then pull out your map/phone/pogo stick/jump rope or whatever it is that you just have to get at. There are other people trying to get out. GET OUT OF THE WAY.
When you get inside the train, keep moving toward the center of the car, and if there’s a seat, sit down! Again, other people are behind you and they need to get in. Don’t stand there gawking and giggling.
Now, if there’s a seat, sit down. Yes, right there next to that man, woman or child that you’ve NEVER SEEN BEFORE. Yes, you must sit next to a stranger! Someone who might not look like you or speak the same native language you do or dress like you. You will live right on through it.
If you find completely empty seat, don’t just plop you stuff down on the seat next to you, especially if you see other people still standing or getting on the train. Your shopping bags/backpack/purse did not pay a fare. Hold your stuff.
If there’s not a seat, hold on to a pole, an overhead rail, or the back of a seat. Don’t act shocked and appalled when the train takes off, as if it did that just to make you fall down.
If the train is crowded, other people are going to need to hold on to the pole. Yes, that one you’re wrapped around as if you’re about to perform at the Pink Pony. You only need to hold it with one hand. The train isn’t suddenly going to make a sharp turn or accelerate to 120 MPH.
Escalators: Stand on the RIGHT side. People who want to walk up or down should do so on the left.
MARTA is not complicated, but if you’re not used to public transit, you need to go online and look at the system map and use the trip planner to figure out what to do. If you still can’t work it out, call MARTA customer service. Better yet, ask people who do ride how to get to where you’re going.
8.Once you get off, READ THE SIGNS in the stations. They usually will point you in at least the general direction of your destination.
If something goes wrong and you really don’t know where you are or how you got there, ASK SOMEONE. If you don’t see a MARTA employee, ask a police officer or yes, even a complete stranger.
Sometimes there is construction that slows the trains down. Check the MARTA site so you can adjust your ETAs as needed.
To people who aren’t used to riding buses: Buses run on schedules.Like someone else said, you can’t just show up at the bus stop and expect a bus to magically materialize. The intervals between trips change throughout the day and, because buses get stuck in traffic just like cars, sometimes they’re late.
Schedules are online and at the stations. If you can’t figure out what bus you need or where to get off, call 404-848-5000 and let someone who works for MARTA figure it out for you. Nothing worse than walking six blocks out of the way on a 102-degree day.
Be sure you’re getting on the RIGHT BUS! The route number is on the marquee right above the windshield.
The climate control in the indoor stations isn’t great sometimes. They’re usually fine, but they can get really hot in the summer. You will live. Some of the stations partly or mostly outside. Bring some water, but only water.
Finally, don’t expect to get on the train or bus with a Chic-Fil-A chicken biscuit and a 16-ounce smoothie. You’re not supposed to eat in the stations, on the trains or the buses. People love to talk about how “dirty” MARTA is, yet they contribute to this very problem.
It isn’t just the infuriating people who leave their trash lying around. It’s the people who drop the little mouse and bug-attracting morsels from their snacks, or who trip and spill their 20-ounce Mountain Dew, leaving the floor sticky for the rest of the day.
I’ve never owned a car (I do have a license, just no car of my own.) so I happen to love MARTA.
It’s far, far from perfect, but I get so sick of people running it down for specious reasons.
People get their flights canceled and their luggage lost after paying extortionate airfares, but you never hear them say “I’m never going on vacation again!” Yet, they’re so quick to write off MARTA because some kid half their age have looked in their direction. If you’ve been robbed, assaulted or directly menaced on MARTA, it’s reasonable to perhaps want to avoid it. But, I just don’t understand adults who are afraid of some scowling teenagers or a guy mumbling to himself.
By FWIW
June 28, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this
Sorry about the poor proofreading. That’s an interesting numbering system I’ve got going there.
By One More Thing
June 28, 2008 2:56 AM | Link to this
Dear AJC editors:
You really want to consider putting some sort moderating policy in place for these comments. I rarely see other major papers tolerate the kind of unvarnished, racist insults masquerading as comments that I see here.
By thomas
July 10, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Hey,
I used to WORK for MARTA and I don’t ride MARTA. NEVER. I live in a northern suburb. When I worked for MARTA, I never used it.
I don’t use MARTA because, first of all, MARTA is not near Cobb/Cherokee County. Secondly everywhere I need to go is generally not in Atlanta/Dekalb/Fulton County. Also why catch a slow bus and/or train when I can drive. Finally, I hate bums and hoodies.