ATLANTA — MARTA is slowly resolving its driver shortage, resulting in changes for early birds who need a ride before the sun rises.
Meanwhile, riders in Clayton County are invited to comment on route changes there.
The driver shortage reduced hours along dozens of MARTA routes in 2021, leaving many riders with no bus to catch between 4 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. As a result, the transit agency began offering vouchers to impacted riders who could get a discount on Uber or Lyft during those hours.
MARTA is now 96% fully staffed with drivers, so the agency is scaling back on the MARTAConnect Early Bird program. Early service has resumed along most routes, leaving thirteen where drivers can get a $5 discount on rideshare. They are routes 21, 75, 82, 85, 103, 132, 140, 141, 185, 188, and 899.
In Clayton County, it’s a change in demand that has MARTA shifting two bus routes.
The agency has asked riders to offer their view on changes that would shift Route 192 from Old Dixie Highway to Old Dixie Road and turn Route 195 into a one-way loop.
While MARTA wants to hear from riders now, any changes wouldn’t take effect until April.
The public meeting is scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m. at the Forest Park Community Center, 696 Main Street, Forest Park.
There is a virtual option available here.