MARTA launches app to report crimes

ATLANTA — MARTA wants to use the power of smartphones and a new app to empower their riders.

The new app, See & Say, is now available for Android and iPhone users. It can connect anyone with MARTA police or customer service.

Sgt. Astin Greene of the MARTA police told Channel 2's Ryan Young the app will hopefully encourage more people to report any strange activities.

"It's a priceless addition to our security. It gives customers a chance to send MARTA police a message about anything they see it will give us a better chance to provide customer service and improve safety on buses or the train," said Greene.

MARTA rider Letita Jolly told Young if the app helps with service, she's in.

"Great idea. Anytime you can better the service when you make it easier someone going to listen to you," Jolly said.

The app makes it easy for anyone to send notes to police or MARTA about graffiti, lighting, or more importantly, an emergency issue.

Greene showed Young how the app works.

"Let's say you see suspicious activity and send it to us. Then our communication unit can send it out to the police, and then they have the picture of the suspect," Greene said.

Greg Reina said he rides the system every day and hopes riders will use the app to crack down on trouble makers.

"I think someone did their homework. It's going to cause some of these fools, that's a word for them, from acting up," Reina said.

MARTA said they are only the second system in the county with the new technology and when you take a picture, the app turns off your flash to help conceal what you're reporting.

WSBTV