JOIN ATLANTA'S TRANSIT COALITION ON ROSA PARKS’ BIRTHDAY AS WE EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, AND ORGANIZE TO RECOGNIZE TRANSIT EQUITY AS A CIVIL RIGHT

Transit is facing unprecedented challenges in the U.S. – and unprecedented opportunities.

During the pandemic, with many employees commuting far less than before, and some transitioning to remote work entirely, transit lost significant revenue. We also saw transit service reduced as transit employees became front line workers. These challenges were temporarily covered by federal government subsidies in response to the pandemic and the creation of new opportunities for federal transit funding became available. But those subsidies and funding opportunities are coming to an end. Meanwhile, transit service has not returned to normal and many riders have not yet returned to transit.

In 2018, voters in the City of Atlanta authorized a tax increase to expand transit service, called the “More MARTA program.” More MARTA was intended to expand transit service in the City, but instead has fallen behind on delivering projects. MARTA’s much-needed redesign of the bus network has also been delayed by two years.

We need to get on track. Our region can’t thrive without a thriving transit system. Whether or not you rely on transit, we all need it for cleaner air, less traffic, reliable transportation options for the economy, safer streets, and healthier communities.

Atlanta, we need to make transit equity a top priority. We need to make the best use of the new federal funding. We need MARTA to implement the projects it promised to voters in the More MARTA plan and to improve bus service. We need the Atlanta Regional Commission to focus transportation investments on transit. We need the state of Georgia to invest in transit as a key part of the state's future.

Transit is a civil right. Everyone – workers, residents, and visitors – should have access to frequent, reliable, and affordable transit. Join transit advocates across Atlanta and the U.S. for Transit Equity Day 2023 to fight for transportation in your community!

WILL YOU TAKE THE CHALLENGE?

1. Ride the bus on Friday, February 3 or Saturday, February 4 in honor of Transit Equity Day. Let's celebrate Rosa Parks’ birthday and her role in the struggle for transit equity for all Americans.
2. Talk about what transit equity means to you on social media. Speak about your experience, encourage your friends and family to ride transit, and show solidarity with people who rely on transit to get around every day. Use the hashtag #TransitEquityDayATL
3. Attend a MARTA board meeting to speak up for frequent and reliable transit service, the More MARTA projects, and the bus network redesign. The next meeting is Thursday, Feb 9th at 1:30 pm at MARTA Headquarters at Lindbergh Station.

CHALLENGE YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS!

We've asked our elected officials to take the Transit Equity Day Challenge by taking public transit to work, run errands, and other activities in their daily lives to experience firsthand what it's like to navigate bus and train lines in Metro Atlanta.

• If you spot your elected official participating in the challenge, post a pic on social with the hashtag #TransitEquityDayATL.
• Contact your officials and ask them to take the challenge.