FTA launches investigation into MARTA security

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy today directed the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to investigate the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's (MARTA) security spending, safety protocols and risks to riders and workers.

The directive comes following two separate stabbing incidents — one of which was fatal — on MARTA property during the week of May 24. MARTA's rate of personal security events, such as assaults and robberies, for employees and riders is nearly twice the national average, U.S. Department of Transportation officials said in a press release. On MARTA's rail lines, the rate is three-and-a-half times higher than the national average.

The FTA investigation will examine whether MARTA has systemic conditions that endanger the public and the workforce, they added. MARTA has been directed to provide information on its crime and fare evasion mitigation efforts and its security and safety funding within 15 days. FTA staff will then asses the agency's compliance with federally required safety planning and the sufficiency of MARTA's response to prior FTA directives.

MARTA is the latest in a series of transportation agencies Duffy has directed the FTA to investigate for security and safety concerns. He has previously inquired about the Chicago Transit Authority, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Charlotte Area Transit System and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.