A small fire and then a plumbing issue caused headaches for MARTA train travelers Tuesday, officials said.
The plumbing problem was reported at the Ashby station around 11:30 a.m., leading officials to stop the rail service and establish a bus bridge to move travelers from Bankhead, Ashby and Vine City. MARTA offered subsidized transportation and provided a link for Lyft credit.
Operations at the stations resumed by about 2:50 p.m. with some delays.
Update: Due to plumbing issue at Ashby, no rail service is provided at Ashby, a bus bridge has been established from Bankhead, Ashby and Vine City. We apologize for the inconvenience.
— MARTA Service (@MARTAservice) December 27, 2022
The fire, which was reported around 6 a.m., occurred on the southbound tracks about 75 feet from the platform at Arts Center in Midtown, MARTA officials said. All trains going through the station temporarily boarded on the northbound platform.
Due to fire on southbound trackway at Arts Center, Single tracking at Arts Center all trains temporarily boarding on NB platform. Delays occurring on North / South line. We apologize for the inconvenience.
— MARTA Service (@MARTAservice) December 27, 2022
There were no injuries as a result of the fire, MARTA police spokesperson Sgt. Deneya Littles said.
“Atlanta fire determined that the fire was likely started by debris that came into contact with the energized third rail,” Littles added.
The incident occurred as the Georgia Department of Transportation urged drivers to delay travel Tuesday morning as icy roads were being treated.
Officials tweeted that the blaze was extinguished at around 6:50 a.m., with service resuming on the southbound platform.
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