MARTA Suspends Atlanta Streetcar Service

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) today shipped off the first of two railcars bound for the Georgia coast and eventually the Atlantic Ocean.

MARTA is investigating a May 23 accident involving a bus on Route 123 that was struck by a freight train at a railroad crossing in the City of Decatur. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the accident which occurred about 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of South McDonough and East Howard Avenue. MARTA Operator Donna McMullen was travelling northbound with four passengers aboard when she reported the bus became “stuck” as it proceeded across the tracks. As a westbound train approached, McMullen followed MARTA emergency protocol and safely evacuated the bus. The ensuing impact caused serious damage to the bus

The first of Atlanta’s Streetcar vehicles has been repaired and will be back on the streets of downtown Atlanta for testing on Tuesday, Feb. 28, and anticipated to be used for service on Thursday, March 2.