Georgia state leaders are responding after three violent incidents in the past two and half weeks on the MARTA system, including a stabbing that left 66-year-old Margaret Swan dead.
In June 7 letter addressed to Interim MARTA General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt, Republican State Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte and Republican House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration are asking about specific steps the transit agency is taking after the violence.
The letter also specific mentions what measures will be taken before the World Cup, as large numbers of visitors are expected to use the system.
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host its first game June 15.
Anavirtarte said there are concerns about what has happened in recent weeks.
“A lot of what we’ve seen with MARTA is happening at a pretty bad time with the World Cup literally starting days from now. So, we look forward to working with MARTA to hopefully get to a better place and working even with the city of Atlanta and other leaders in the region. This is a MARTA problem. This isn’t necessarily an Atlanta problem. So, we need to come together and make sure that MARTA is a safe transportation system.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said the state is also paying attention to what has happened.
“We’ve worked a lot with the City of Atlanta on law enforcement issues, public safety issues, you know. I haven’t, to my knowledge, know that we’ve heard anything, from MARTA about needing additional help, but we’ve had a lot of resources in the city of Atlanta over the last four or five years, so we’re willing to help if needed.”
That includes the use of National Guard and state law enforcement on MARTA.
Separately, the federal government has launched an investigation of MARTA’s security spending, safety protocols and risk to riders and workers.
In a June 3 letter to Hunt and MARTA, the Federal Transit Administration wants answers to questions including about crime and fare evasion mitigation, along with security and safety funding.
Anavitarte and Efstration are looking for answers by June 17.
The FTA is looking their answers by June 18.
