Will New MARTA Code Lure You to Public Transit?

Will a new code of conduct approved by MARTA Monday make you more likely to ride public transportation?

The MARTA Board of Directors approved “Ride With Respect,” a new policy to help improve the overall customer experience by addressing nuisance behaviors with penalties including possible suspension from the transit system. The policy goes into effect Nov. 9.

“Ride With Respect” was prompted by concerns from existing and potential MARTA customers.

Under the new code of conduct, prohibited activities include solicitation, selling goods or services, loud music, spitting, littering, eating on transit vehicles, drinking on transit vehicles without re-sealable drink containers, fighting and disruptive behavior – many of which are also violations of state law and could result in arrest.

“Moving forward, MARTA will no longer tolerate bad behavior on our system,” said Frederick L. Daniels Jr., MARTA board chairman.

The policy – along with a more robust police presence, new vehicle security cameras and a mobile phone app to report problems – will make MARTA more attractive and help customers feel more comfortable, said Keith T. Parker, MARTA’s general manager and CEO.

What do you think of the new code? Tell us in the comments section below.

This report includes portions of a MARTA statement.