ATLANTA, GA - Two recent stabbings on MARTA trains have prompted the federal government to launch an investigation into Atlanta's public transportation system.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy directed the Federal Transit Administration to probe security spending and passenger safety protocols of the metro Atlanta transit, FOX 5 reported. After two horrific daytime stabbings on MARTA property in the span of one week, federal investigators want answers.
A man stabbed a 66-year-old woman 20 times on a train on May 30, and another man was stabbed multiple times at a station following an altercation on May 24.
Duffy announced the investigation to hold the system accountable, stating that no one should be forced to fear for their safety on public transit. Statistics reportedly show that the rate of personal security events on MARTA rail lines is three-and-a-half times higher than the national average.
Federal officials have not yet confirmed what specific penalties or funding cuts MARTA could face if systemic safety violations are discovered. It also remains unclear how quickly any new physical security measures or increased police presence will be deployed across the rail lines during the active investigation.
The FTA is giving MARTA 15 days to turn over comprehensive action plans regarding crime mitigation and fare evasion enforcement. Local officials must also submit a full breakdown of budgeted safety funds for Fiscal Year 2026 and planned allocations for Fiscal Year 2027.
Investigators will independently evaluate MARTA's compliance with federal safety plans and assess how well the agency responded to prior workplace assault directives. MARTA responded to the federal probe, releasing a statement:
"The safety and security of our customers and employees is our number one priority. Every day thousands of MARTA employees show up to work at our stations, on our buses and trains, and in our facilities and offices to keep Metro Atlanta moving in a safe and secure manner.
We welcome the opportunity to share with federal officials the hard work that the MARTA team puts in every day as well as the significant investments in personnel, technology, and operational measures that MARTA has in place to support safety and security across our entire system.
MARTA remains committed to continuously evaluating and strengthening our safety programs, procedures, and resources to provide a safe, secure and reliable transit experience for the communities that we serve."
Play Fair ATL's director Mike Collins also released a statement, saying, in part, "Atlanta will not be divided by a desperate White House intent on using the tragic loss of our community member for cheap political points. Marta has 12,000 security cameras and almost 300 dedicated police officers for a system whose growth has been limited by racism compared to other major cities. We have an incredible staff of professionals in this city who keep us moving every day, and Play Fair ATL stands behind them and the family struggling through this loss."
Play Fair ATL is a coalition of more than 40 local organizations from Atlanta who work to make mega events like the world cup more equitable through a focus on justice, housing, immigration and labor.
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