The Georgia Department of Transportation is the latest agency to point out shortcomings in the operation of the Atlanta Streetcar.
A draft report, released on Jan. 8, provides yet another snapshot into the chaotic first year of the $98 million system, the subject of blistering safety audits, security breaches and high staff turnover.
Among the top findings: The city and MARTA lack clarity when it comes to their roles in running the streetcar; nearly 50 percent of “safety-critical” positions are unfilled; many workers have received inadequate training; maintenance deficiencies exist; the system has failed to implement the random and post-accident drug and alcohol testing required by federal law and, furthermore, hasn’t properly documented and reported accident information to state officials.
GDOT conducted the review of the streetcar's safety and security practices in late October 2015 — about two months after city officials executed an emergency contract to turn over streetcar management to a private firm. In the end, the state proposed 55 action plans to correct the myriad problems.
Mayor Kasim Reed and streetcar officials have repeatedly acknowledged what they call “growing pains” in the city’s efforts to become a transit operator and say they’re learning from early mistakes.
To hear what Atlanta says about the latest review, visit myAJC.com.
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