MARTA bus driver suspended for insisting passengers pray

By Mashaun D. Simon

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A MARTA driver was suspended for five days because passengers said LeRoy Matthews insisted that they hold hands while he led them in prayer.

Matthews behavior violated MARTA's policy, said Lyle V. Harris, MARTA spokesman.

In the complaint, the passenger told MARTA officials the Route 125 Avondale/Northlake bus was traveling northbound on Nov. 3 when it stopped around 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Northlake Parkway and Lavista Road.

As the passenger, whose name was not released, approached the front of the bus, Matthews, who has been with MARTA six years,  stood from his seat and asked everyone to hold hands for a brief word of prayer.

The prayer lasted  four to five minutes.

What they prayed for or about is unclear, said Harris.

It is also unclear whether this has happened before.