MARTA Riders Talk Proposed Fare Increase

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – If you want to ride a MARTA train or bus, it costs you $2 one way. That could go up by .50 in October. MARTA calls the proposed fare hike a necessity in this down economy. Raising the price could temporarily solve MARTA's financial problem while costing the system ridership.

The way you feel about paying more to ride might depend on how much you ride.

"I think it's worth it," said Sally Frank.

Frank lives in Hiawassee, Georgia. 4 times a year, she drives more than 100 miles to Atlanta to take MARTA to the airport. Frank, who walks with a cane, calls the trains convenient.

"It takes you right into the terminal and I have a hard time getting around, said Frank. "It's better than parking at the airport and it's cheaper."

William Hunt rides MARTA a lot more than 4 times a year.

"Every day looking for work," said Hunt.

Hunt, who installs hardwood floors, has been unemployed for the past 2 years. Hunt says he'll still take MARTA to look for work even if it means paying more quarters each time he rides.

".50 is rough when you don't have it," said Hunt. "But, you still have to do what you have to do."

That's why Brian Moore says MARTA should think twice about raising the fare.

"This economy is already bad and I think that's putting more of a hurting on our pockets," said Moore.

It will help MARTA's pockets to the tune of $20 million in the next fiscal year. The money, in part, will help beef up MARTA's police presence. Moore understands but says he'll probably take MARTA once a week instead of twice if the increase is approved. As for the other 4 days, he says he'll have to drive to work. Azman Antara might do the same.

"We would start thinking about buying a car," said Antara.

The Arabic teacher says he and his wife spend about $100 each month to ride MARTA. That price would jump to about $200 under the proposal MARTA's board will vote on in 3 weeks.