Q: I have read about MARTA’s new “Ride with Respect” program, which includes a suspension for unruly behavior. I haven’t read how those suspensions would be enforced. Can you tell me how MARTA plans to enforce them?
— Adele Kehoe, Marietta
A: MARTA doesn't have a way to spot suspended passengers, prevent them from buying Breeze cards or from riding trains and buses. So violators could find ways to get around their suspension, as long as they abide by the rules. MARTA Police Chief Wanda Y. Dunham said those issues are not viewed as a problem since "the focus of the code of conduct is to eradicate mischievous behavior," the AJC reported. Riders caught violating their suspensions will be subject to another suspension, which could be permanent. The "Ride with Respect" campaign, which starts Nov. 9, aims to reduce or eliminate unruly behavior — including smoking, soliciting, drinking, eating or panhandling — on MARTA trains and buses. MARTA is installing cameras on all of its buses, vans and rail cars, and has introduced a "See & Say" smartphone app that helps riders report suspicious activity.
Q: I have been trying to find out the name and age of the man who was killed earlier this month on I-285 at Old National Highway after exiting his stalled vehicle. I was on the road that night and almost hit him myself.
— Tony Pinckney, College Park
A: Timothy Osborne, 50, was killed when he was hit by a motorist on I-285 East near Old National Highway about 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 6, a spokesman with the College Park Police Department told Q&A on the News in an email.
Andy Johnston wrote this column; Carolyn Crist contributed. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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