U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced Thursday that he has instructed the Federal Transit Administration to launch an investigation into MARTA, which will look into the transit agency’s security spending, safety protocols and risks to riders and workers.
The decision comes shortly after the May 30 attack on a 66-year-old woman aboard a MARTA train last weekend, and the May 24 stabbing of a 40-year-old man several times during an altercation at a MARTA station.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation says that MARTA’s rate of personal security events (assaults, robberies, rapes, etc.) for MARTA employees and riders is nearly twice the national average, a statistic that the agency calls “particularly concerning.”
“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 in the release.
“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.”
In a statement to WABE, MARTA says that the safety and security of our customers and employees is its number one priority.
“We welcome the opportunity to share with federal officials the hard work that the MARTA team puts in every day as well as the significant investments in personnel, technology, and operational measures that MARTA has in place to support safety and security across our entire system,” the statement reads.
“MARTA remains committed to continuously evaluating and strengthening our safety programs, procedures, and resources to provide a safe, secure and reliable transit experience for the communities that we serve.”
The announcement comes two days after federal charges were filed against Decatur resident John Elijah Matthews for his role in the May 30 attack.
According to authorities, 66-year-old Margaret Swan was on a MARTA train traveling northbound from the Lakewood station to the Oakland City station when she encountered the defendant.
Video surveillance allegedly showed Matthews standing next to Swan by the train’s doors while the latter looked at her phone. At approximately 11:25 a.m., Matthews then reached into his pocket, pulled out a folding knife and proceeded to stab Swan approximately 20 times in the chest and neck area.
First responders arrived to render emergency medical aid to Swan, who was later pronounced dead on the scene.
Matthews is currently in local custody and is scheduled to appear in federal court at a later date. If convicted, he faces the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
