MARTA employee says not enough being done to protect workers from coronavirus

ATLANTA — A MARTA employee says there is not enough being done to protect workers from COVID-19.

While states have reported deaths of dozens of transit workers across the United States, MARTA is working to reassure drivers and riders, it is still a safe way to travel.

We spoke with MARTA about changes they've made to address safety concerns, after getting some disturbing messages sent to our station.

A picture taken Wednesday shows a MARTA bus with passengers jammed inside, making social distancing impossible.

“A lot of the driver's concerns is that they're going to be amongst the fatalities because of MARTA’s slow response,” a transit advocate who wished to remain anonymous said.

Channel 2’s Lori Wilson spoke to the advocate about the concerns of MARTA’s drivers during a pandemic.

“They are actually moving it around the city at a faster pace, when you're cramming people onto a bus because the ride is free,” the advocate said.

In a direct message sent to the WSB-TV Facebook page, one driver expressed her concerns saying:

“MARTA drivers need help. Too many passengers on the bus. The buses aren't cleaned or sanitized. Our lives are in danger.”

[RELATED: MARTA announces changes to routes, operations amid coronavirus pandemic]

Wilson spoke to MARTA CEO Jeffrey Parker earlier this week. He says overcrowding is being addressed.

“When a bus driver feels that there is no way to maintain social distancing, (they should) change the sign on the bus to say bus is full,” Parker said.

As for cleanliness of the busses and driver safety, MARTA says it is following CDC guidelines and admits this is a difficult situation. Last week, they gave drivers a $50 stipend for sanitizing supplies.

According to the latest report, 14 MARTA employees have contracted COVID-19, including 7 drivers.

MARTA says it is giving drivers up to 80 hours sick pay if they have or have been exposed to COVID-19.

MARTA employee tests positive for coronavirus MARTA is updating its operations and routes during the coronavirus pandemic.

© 2020 Cox Media Group