MARTA Off to a Strong Start

Dec. 4, 2014
The latest statistics reflect ongoing efforts by the transit system to become more effective, cost-efficient and customer-focused.

MARTA racked up a string of successes during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2015 with notable increases in ridership and passenger revenue and encouraging declines in fare evasion and crime reports. The latest statistics reflect ongoing efforts by the transit system to become more effective, cost-efficient and customer-focused. 

“Our financial performance and operational improvements are a clear indication of the positive direction this agency is headed in,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker. “These key wins help motivate us to keep doing all we can to get better every single day.” 

Ridership and revenue 

The Authority experienced a steady uptick in ridership, which increased eight percent over the prior year, with early numbers showing the trend is likely to continue. The first quarter gain in ridership – which was up during 14 of the last 18 months, excluding the early 2014 winter storms – can be attributed to high-profile events and the advent of more frequent bus and rail service in May. 

The recently opened Buckhead Station pedestrian bridge also attracted a significant amount of new customers. Since the span was debuted in June, the Buckhead station has seen a 27.3 percent increase in customer entries. 

Revenues are up over projected expenses with the Authority closing the first quarter at a net profit of $9.5 million. 

Fare evasion 

Another success story is MARTA’s fare evasion program, launched this summer, which requires bus Operators to be physically present when customers board. Revenues and ridership are both up due to the implementation of this fare evasion initiative. 

This seemingly small change in operations is projected to increase revenues by $2.25 million. Equally important, surveys show customers and bus Operators overwhelmingly approve of this approach to making sure all customers pay their fair share. 

Public safety and security 

In another promising development, the agency’s overall crime rate is down five percent compared to year-to-date numbers. MARTA is committed to crime reduction and prevention to ensure this downward trend continues. With the increased transit service frequency, MARTA has added officers to patrol trains and buses. The Authority has also invested in cutting-edge behavioral recognition software and is installing cameras on all MARTA trains and rail stations; the bus fleet has already been equipped with video surveillance technology. 

A year after its launch, the Ride With Respect campaign has been a tremendous tool in making the overall customer experience more pleasant and peaceful.