U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) would launch an investigation into Atlanta’s Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).
The investigation comes after two attacks on MARTA property within a week, including the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old grandmother while riding a MARTA train, and the stabbing of a 40-year-old man at a MARTA station after an altercation. Duffy said FTA would be reviewing MARTA’s security spending, safety protocols and the risks to riders and workers.
“Every American should be disturbed by the horrific crimes we have seen on MARTA in the last month. No one should be forced to fear for their safety simply because they choose to ride public transit,” Duffy said. “From our nation’s capital to Chicago, we’ve made substantial progress in holding systems accountable and enhancing security for transit workers and riders. President Trump has made it clear that American families deserve better, and that’s what we are going to deliver in Georgia too.”
The DOT said MARTA’s rate of personal security events for its employees and riders is nearly twice the national average, with its rail lines having a rate three and a half times higher than the national average.
The FTA will determine if systemic conditions exist that endanger the public and workforce on the Atlanta system.
Duffy has called for improvements to other transit systems, including:
Chicago’s CTA, Washington D.C.’s WMATA, New York City’s MTA, Los Angeles Metro, Charlotte Area Transit System, and Philadelphia’s SEPTA.
The FTA said MARTA has 15 days to submit information about Crime & Fare Evasion Mitigation, Security and Safety Funding, Security, Safety and Non-FTA federal funds. At the same time, the FTA will conduct an official assessment of MARTA’s Safety Risk Reduction Program, evaluate the effectiveness of MARTAs mitigation actions implemented in response to General Directive 24-1 (Required Actions Regarding Assaults on Transit Workers).