Public transit is "better option than driving," new survey says

A new transit study says the majority of Americans who have access to public transit where they work or live take advantage of it.

The study, from HNTB Corp., an infrastructure firm, says 87 percent use public transit when it's available and 69 percent of Americans say public transit is a better option than driving.

"Whether it's buses, commuter trains, light rail or streetcars, public transportation is an essential element for our communities," said Elizabeth Rao, chair public transit services for HNTB. "People like transit and successful cities deliver it."

For more information on the study, please visit: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/most-americans-say-transit-often-the-better-choice-104867149.html

Hero among us

How often does this happen? A MARTA rider saved someone from a near-death situation and the week earlier, saved a toddler.

http://bit.ly/a0LHBv

Strangers help man who fell off MARTA platform

Man fell centimeters of high voltage rail. Two strangers jumped down to save him.

Two Strangers Help Man Who Fell Off MARTA Platform - Atlanta News Story - WGCL Atlanta

MARTA lands whopping $19.7 million to upgrade bus system

MARTA, Atlanta's public transportation system, is getting $19.7 million in federal grants to boost its decaying bus system.


A total of $18.3 million,or most of the Federal Transit Administration grant, will be used to replace MARTA's Brady Mobility paratransit facility. The facility operates and maintains MARTA's paratransit fleet, which is used to transport people with disabilities. Brady facility is among MARTA's oldest and though built in 1974, it has not been renovated since that time. 


MARTA expects a 13 percent increase in ridership for the fiscal year. The transit system is under court order to improve its paratransit service since passengers reported not getting picked up on time or at all.


The remainder of the grant, or $1.4 million, will be used to develop a management system to track the condition of MARTA's overall bus fleet, facilities and equipment. 


The grants are part of a $776 million nationwide federal grant program announced Monday to help fix ailing bus systems. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says 40 percent of the country's buses are in poor or marginal condition. 

New "Q" MARTA express buses

MARTA recently unveiled two new express routes - the Q Express and the Q Limited along traffic-heavy Memorial Drive.

Both routes begin at MARTA rail's Kensington Station. What's especially neat about these buses is they have the ability to beam alerts to traffic signals they are nearing so green lights will hold until either of the buses pass through. For more information, visit: http://itsmarta.com/marta-brt.aspx

MARTA Price Increases To Go Into Effect - News Story - WSB Atlanta

Price increases reached the wallets of MARTA riders today.

MARTA Price Increases To Go Into Effect - News Story - WSB Atlanta