MARTA, Atlanta. Photo: Koapan / Shutterstock.com The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into Atlanta's public transit system following two violent stabbing attacks on MARTA property within a week.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy directed the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to review MARTA's security spending, safety protocols, and potential risks to passengers and transit workers after a 66-year-old woman was fatally stabbed aboard a train on May 30 and a 40-year-old man was stabbed at a station on May 24.
"Every American should be disturbed by the horrific crimes we have seen on MARTA in the last month," Duffy said. "No one should be forced to fear for their safety simply because they choose to ride public transit."
"I want ANSWERS from Atlanta. The number of assaults, robberies, and rapes on MARTA’s trains is MORE THAN THREE TIMES the national average," added Duffy in a social media post.
According to the FTA, MARTA's rate of personal security incidents involving riders and employees is nearly twice the national average, while incidents on its rail network occur at a rate more than three times higher than the national average.
MARTA has been given 15 days to provide detailed information on crime prevention measures, fare evasion enforcement, security spending, and safety programs as federal investigators determine whether systemic conditions are putting passengers and workers at risk.