Competition for MARTA
Ever since Jessica posted on MARTA the other day, I’ve been keeping my eye open for articles about the transit system here and its problems. However, I never knew that out on the streets things are rising to a ‘fever pitch’:
Trouble between Atlanta’s public transit system and a private bus service trolling Buford Highway had been brewing for years.
This week, things got seriously out of hand, with competing bus drivers shouting back and forth on the street, curses and coins flying and passengers calling the police.
Sorting out the details of who started the fracas is like arbitrating a school playground squabble.
But competition for passengers has built into a fever pitch since Royal Bus Lines began running about five years ago.
…
When a MARTA bus pulled in front of a Royal van to pick up passengers, a shouting match erupted between the two drivers. MARTA’s Mark Myers told police that Royal driver Ivan Herrera spat on his bus, cursed him and threw coins in his face, cutting him above the eye. Herrera said Myers threw a soda bottle at him. Myers denied the accusation.
Hmmm… so I went looking for information on Royal Bus Lines and the best thing that I could find was this report (big PDF file – go to page 62) with a comment from Salvadore Norman (who “represents” Royal Bus Service). Their concerns seem to be decent and I have no problem with MARTA getting a little competition. However, when he asks the question “Why does MARTA view Royal as such a strong competitor?” We can only suppose that MARTA sees swooping in and cutting off their buses in mid-traffic and spitting, cursing, and throwing coins to be competitive behavior.
I always curse and spit at my competition ;)
I have seen those Royal Bus things, I’d assumed they were for like the elderly. Wonder if they take that left on Cheshire down to the other end of Lenox into Va Hi… that would pique my curiosity, interest and maybe even a little green…
There’s a pretty big need for better transportation options in the Buford Highway Corridor. I live pretty close to where those Royal Busses drive around, and there are a ton of people in my ‘hood who don’t have cars. Instead they walk, they use taxis, they use MARTA, and they use these other busses. It’s kind of interesting, really, how all this kind of springs up based on need. After sharing the roads with them for the past 4 years, though, I really loathe the taxis.
You may find it interesting to check out the sites dedicated to prescription – Tons of interesdting stuff!!!