Are Breeze card readers at MARTA rail stations really broken enough to impact ridership statistics this much? https://lnkd.in/eXMyPEH8 If that's true, this maintenance failure is as concerning as the ridership itself, particularly since fare payments affect MARTA's ability to fund operational things like...maintenance. It seems likely that another factor in low ridership is MARTA's struggle to provide reliable weekend rail. Read about that issue here: https://lnkd.in/edqD5279 Throw in the emptiness of Downtown office buildings (the rail system was largely designed to deliver commuters to that district), plus Atlanta's overall shortcomings with pedestrian-oriented density near transit, plus the fact that MARTA hasn't built new rail in 25 years, and you've got a problem with clear solutions. But those solutions need bold vision from leadership at all levels.
Architect, fan of quality craftsmanship & design, building science dork, soccer nut. I just like building stuff.
2 周Buildings and equipment don’t last without inspection and maintenance. Look at the fire doors damaged from being propped open - many don’t even close anymore, creating a code violation… and life safety hazard. Look at the ventilation systems caked with dirt. Look at the broken expansion joint covers on the platforms, in the stations and the parking decks. Look at all the rusted steel railings and the cracked granite stairs in any station where water bypassed a failed sealant joint. Spending tens of millions of dollars and subsequently ignoring the facilities and equipment is a lousy use of taxpayer funds.