ATLANTA — MARTA is offering partial refunds for Breeze cards that went unused during the most recent winter storm.
Some passengers complained that their Breeze cards lost value after MARTA canceled all service for two days. Some passengers had paid in advance for service.
Channel 2 Action News reporter Mike Petchenik went to the transit authority for details on how they planned to address the complaints.
MARTA officials said that starting Monday, Jan. 24, passengers who can prove their losses will be eligible for a two-day unlimited ride pass.
"We really do apologize for the inconvenience, but we felt that the two days when no bus service was offered was what the Authority should do," said MARTA spokeswoman Ryland McClendon.
McClendon told Petchenik that the authority had to cut all bus service the Monday and Tuesday after the storm because conditions were too dangerous for drivers to run their routes. She said it's the first time the authority has ever had to do that.
"With safety being our No. 1 priority, we made the determination, because of the conditions, it was in the best interest not to get buses out," McClendon said.
According to MARTA, all 91 of its routes were canceled those first two days. In the days that followed, the authority gradually added back some routes, but officials said all routes weren't back online until Sunday.
Rider Trantavis Wheeler told Petchenik he paid $17 for a weekly pass, but only rode the bus once on the day before the storm hit.
"I paid MARTA, missed work and that's just not good," Wheeler said.
Wheeler told Petchenik he believes he deserves a full refund for the days he missed because the routes in his neighborhood weren't restored until the end of the week.
"They just took our money," he said. "I don't think it is right. They should reimburse the people with their money," said Wheeler.
Riders who want restitution have until Wednesday at close of business to call 404-848-5000. McClendon said Breeze card holders will need to provide customer service with the number on the back of their Breeze card to verify a loss.
WSBTV
