The MARTA security investigation will examine security spending and safety procedures. The review also covers risks affecting MARTA riders and employees. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy directed the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to carry out the review.

MARTA Funding Under Scrutiny in Major Federal Probe
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, pictured, on Dec. 19 announced the new requirement.
Photo – USDOT

The FTA investigation⁠ follows two separate stabbing incidents on MARTA property. Both occurred during the week of May 24, and one was fatal.

According to a U.S. Department of Transportation press release, MARTA’s personal security event rate is nearly twice the national average. These events involve riders and workers and include assaults and robberies. Also, the rate on the authority’s rail lines is three-and-a-half times the national average.

FTA reviews MARTA safety protocols

The FTA will examine whether systemic conditions at MARTA endanger the public or its workforce. MARTA must provide the requested information within 15 days. That information must cover its crime and fare evasion mitigation efforts⁠. In addition, it must include details of security and safety funding.

FTA staff will then assess MARTA’s compliance with federally required safety planning. They will also assess whether its response to previous FTA directives has been sufficient.

Previous FTA security inquiries

MARTA is the latest transportation agency that Duffy has directed the FTA to investigate over security and safety concerns. Earlier inquiries involved the Chicago Transit Authority, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority. They also involved the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Charlotte Area Transit System and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.