Guides:

Riding Marta

by Clara Pauw, Emory University Graduate

Are you looking for a cheap alternative to a car? Do you worry about the stresses of driving or getting a drivers license? Do you want to help the environment? Try MARTA! 



Ribley Briggins, Manager of Policy Planning and Outreach for MARTA, explained, “MARTA is certainly cheaper than a car. It’s definitely good for the environment. Also, especially if you don’t know how to navigate the Atlanta road and highway system, or get stressed out in traffic, MARTA is a great alternative.”

What is it?
The MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), is the public transportation system that serves Atlanta. MARTA has buses and trains. The trains run North-South from North Springs to the Airport and East-West from Indian Creek to Hamilton Holmes.

Trains
MARTA trains run Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. – 1 a.m. On weekends and holidays they run from 5 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. To facilitate transportation during rush hour, MARTA trains come every 10 minutes during these times (6 – 9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.). The rest of the time (and on weekends) they come every 20 minutes.      

Buses
The MARTA buses cover an extensive area. Buses run Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. – 1:30 a.m.  On weekends and holidays they run from 5 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. Schedules and times vary so check the website for information. According to Briggins, buses come every fifteen to twenty minutes, with a maximum wait time of 45 minutes. It is usually best to visit the website or call customer information (404-848-5000) before you leave to catch your bus, because schedules occasionally change. You can also attach a bike to the front of the MARTA bus.

The Breeze Card
If you are planning on riding MARTA frequently, it is probably best to purchase a Breeze Card. You can put money on the card using Breeze Vending Machines located at many MARTA stations. To put money on the card select “Reload Card” from the Breeze Vending Machine’s display menu. Tap your card where indicated, then select the amount of money you want to add to your card on the screen. Insert either cash, or a debit/credit card into the appropriate slot. Tap your card again to load the value onto your card.

You can also reload your card on the bus using the Breeze Bus Fare Box. Simply tell the driver you want to add money to your card, and then follow the same procedure. There is a one-time fee of $5 for your first Breeze Card, after this you can refill it with no additional charge. 

To board the bus, simply tap the card on the meter, and it automatically deducts the fare. You also tap to enter the train stations. Once you tap your card, the amount of money remaining on the card will flash on the screen. If you want to get off, ring the bell above your head by pulling the notification cord at a designated MARTA stop. Pull the cord a little bit before your stop, so the bus driver has time to pull over.      

If you are uncomfortable with purchasing or using of a Breeze Card, you can pay with cash. A one-way fare is $1.75 per person. Also, up to 2 children can ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult. At most stations a MARTA attendant will be standing by to answer any questions you may have.

Special price packages are available for purchasing multiple rides at a time:

Also, if you are 65 years of age or older, have a physical or mental disability, or are a Medicare Cardholder, you can ride for half the price. To get a Half Fare Breeze Card you can go to either the:

Five Points Location (404) 848-3203 or the
Lindbergh Center Location: (404) 848-5112
Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday

Not sure whether or not it would save you money to ride the MARTA? You can use the “Commute Calculator” to figure out which option is cheaper. Also, you can use the personalized trip planner feature on the upper left hand corner of the MARTA home page called “My Commute” to create an individualized schedule.

It may also be helpful to look at the Frequently Asked Questions portion of the MARTA website.  

**This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers or visitors are encouraged to seek the counsel of an attorney to directly address their concerns.  

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