MARTA Approves New Code of Conduct - Enforces 'Ride With Respect'

MARTA is making a serious attempt at trying to curtail uncivil behavior that is commonly found on MARTA, and transform its transit experience for all of its riders by its decision to approve the "Ride with Respect" policy.

According to MARTA, "the MARTA Board of Directors approved a new policy to help improve the overall customer experience by addressing nuisance behaviors with penalties including possible suspension from the transit system."

The policy goes into effect on November 9th.

Under the new code of conduct, prohibited activities include solicitation, selling goods or services, loud music, spitting, littering, eating on transit vehicles, drinking on transit vehicles without re-sealable drink containers, fighting and disruptive behavior – many of which are also violations of state law and could result in arrest.

“Moving forward, MARTA will no longer tolerate bad behavior on our system,” said Frederick L. Daniels, Jr., Chairman of the MARTA Board. “We are asking the community, elected officials and customers to join us in raising the bar and reinforcing the expectation that everyone deserves a safe, efficient and enjoyable ride on MARTA.” 

Keith T. Parker, MARTA’s GM/CEO has said that riders will also benefit from a more robust police presence, new vehicle security cameras and a mobile phone app to report problems.

“You should have the freedom to sit quietly and enjoy a peaceful ride on MARTA,” Mr. Parker explained. “ ‘Ride With Respect’ reaffirms our commitment to our customers and employees by curtailing undesirable behavior on our system.”