ATLANTA — MARTA riders could see more changes ahead after the transit agency raised parking rates and began gathering public input on proposed bus route adjustments.
Riders told Channel 2 investigative reporter Sophia Choi that they rely on MARTA to help keep transportation costs down as prices continue to rise across metro Atlanta.
“I ride MARTA for transportation and save money too,” rider Daniel Dunlap said.
Starting on Monday, however, some commuters will pay more to park at MARTA stations.
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The transit agency has increased long-term parking rates by $2 at several locations.
That means riders will now pay $10 instead of $8 for long-term parking at stations such as Lindbergh Center.
At other stations, the daily rate has increased from $5 to $7.
“Maybe it’s OK. Cause you know everything is going up,” MARTA rider Gregory Thomas said.
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Another change affects free parking. Riders can now park for up to 14 hours at no charge, down from the previous 24-hour limit.
MARTA said the parking increases are intended to help fund maintenance and facility upgrades while making parking operations self-sufficient.
“Maybe it’ll be a good idea. They’ll be self-sufficient to where they don’t have to go on the outside to borrow money,” Thomas said.
In addition to the parking increases, MARTA is considering changes to some bus routes.
Maps presented during the agency’s public meetings show most of the proposed route changes would affect areas in Decatur, along with one proposed adjustment in west Atlanta.
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Despite the potential changes, riders said they understand the need to adapt service as communities grow and transportation demands evolve.
They also noted that MARTA remains one of the most affordable ways to travel around metro Atlanta.
“Because the cab costs $50, $60 to get where you’re going. I ain’t got that kind of money,” Dunlap said.
MARTA officials are continuing to gather public feedback before making decisions on the proposed route changes.
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