MARTA riders talk about the transit agency adding cameras on buses and trains:
Mary Jeffrey, 33, Lithonia, at Dunwoody station: "I've never felt threatened, but they do need to beef up their security. I think cameras will help. They need to increase the visual presence at the stations, too. You can be here later at night and not see a single employee in the station."
Ann Rogers, 57, Atlanta, at Dunwoody station: "I just use common sense and precautions. I know when to change cars. I can see trouble coming before it happens. That's what my grandmother always told me to look for. I have witnessed fights inside the stations, but never on trains. All in all, I get to my destination pretty good."
Kim Billiot, 25, Atlanta, at Five Points station: "I guess cameras will help if you're not doing anything wrong, but I don't know how I feel about being videotaped. Then there's going to be vandalism to the equipment. And people know how to block the cameras, maybe not on the buses but on the trains. You have to be aware on MARTA. I have to think about what I wear, not being under-dressed or showing skin. You don't want to catch someone's eye and they end up following you."
Yvette Meadows, 49, Atlanta, at H.E. Holmes station: "I definitely think it's a good idea. I don't ride MARTA a whole lot, but if people are aware of the cameras, it will cut down on crime."
Angela Glenn, 32, Atlanta, at Five Points station: "I think they will help with cut down on all the panhandling. I've seen panhandlers get angry when people say no and almost break into fights with passengers. I wouldn't say I've felt threatened or scared, maybe a little worried. I've never felt in fear for my life, but I wish police were on the trains a bit more. I think the cameras will help if there's someone to assist when something goes wrong. I don't see the point in them if no one's there to apprehend criminals or stop what they're doing."
Tawander Howard, 35, Atlanta, at Five Points station: "They need to keep the trains from being so nasty. There are people on the train who smell like they been smoking weed, throwing trash around, panhandling. And the MARTA police just seem to do what they want to do. You don't see them much; like right now, someone could snatch my purse, and if I pick up the phone to call the police, the thief will be gone already. They need to be down here walking around."
Carol Intha, 50, Atlanta, at Five Points station: "I do feel we need to step up security, and it's very comforting to know they are adding cameras. I have felt threatened by panhandlers. They can be very aggressive asking for money or food, and they start cursing when you don't give them any. When you push the [emergency] button in the [train] cars to report it, nobody responds. You have people about to come to blows over something, and you're stuck there in the middle of it."
