MARTA…not necessarily Smarta
Just a reminder…MARTA’s recent cuts go into effect tomorrow, September 25, 2010. Cuts include up to an increase of five minutes in wait time between trains, no more weekend train service before 6 am and the elimination of 2700 bus stops. For more detailed information on the cuts, you can visit the MARTA website here. In addition to these cuts, the token phase-out and pass fare increases will begin in October.
I’ll admit, as an OTPer, I only use MARTA occasionally for sporting events, conferences, etc. But, I still empathize with the thousands of ITPers who will be severely affected by these cuts. What will this do for commuters who use MARTA everyday to get to/from work? Will their jobs work with them?
When will Atlanta realize what all other big cities have? To truly be a big city you need REAL mass transit.
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You are right, of course, that we need real mass transit. The problem is that I think the powers that be in this situation realize this but THEY SIMPLY HAVE NO MONEY.
I think they’re doing an incredible job of making as few cuts as they need to. What we need is state funding. :/
i live OTP and use the train to get to school five days a week. it’s a lot easier than dealing with traffic the entire ride into the city.
fulton and dekalb counties know we need it. the money isn’t there because of the surrounding counties, and the state putting restrictions on what marta can and cannot spend their funds on.
It doesn’t make me feel any better, but MTA in New York and MBTA in Boston are both planning or implementing service cuts to go along with fare hikes. LA County is cutting bus service. DC’s Metro just had a fare increase, but managed to keep all the existing service intact. So, at least we know it’s not just us.
Some of MARTA’s funding problems (the 50/50 revenue split, lack of zone fares) could have been seen coming a mile away and addressed at least a decade ago. But, the decrease in tax revenue resulting from the shaky economy couldn’t be dodged.
I think it’s less a matter of the city not trying enough than having tried really hard at the wrong things, with the some people in the state legislature spending years being as un-helpful as possible.
I think it’s a combination of both politicians unwilling to help and a lack of funds (or being able to get to those funds). But you’re right, Andrew, it could be worse.