Federal investigation puts MARTA under new scrutiny
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Sean Duffy, US secretary of transportation, during a House Appropriations Subcommittee meeting in May 2026. Photo: Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Trump administration is launching an investigation into MARTA after two violent events on the transit system, including the seemingly unprovoked fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old train passenger.
Why it matters: Concerns about MARTA's safety are drawing federal scrutiny and becoming a political flashpoint.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's probe comes as the transit agency tries to reassure the public that the buses and trains are safe to ride before, during and after the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Zoom in: Citing National Transit Database data, Duffy said MARTA's rate of "personal security events" — including assaults, robberies and rapes involving employees and riders — is nearly double the national average.
- An AJC analysis using crimes per vehicle mile traveled — rather than per passenger trip — found MARTA's rate was roughly in line with the national average.
What they're saying: "Every American should be disturbed by the horrific crimes we have seen on MARTA in the last month," Duffy said in a statement.
- "No one should be forced to fear for their safety simply because they choose to ride public transit."
State of play: USDOT's Federal Transit Administration is demanding MARTA provide information about the agency's crime and fare evasion mitigation strategies and public safety and personal security spending.
- Federal officials say they will also investigate MARTA's efforts to protect transit workers from violence.
Threat level: Since taking office, Duffy has launched similar investigations, audits and information requests involving transit agencies in New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago and other large cities.
- The MARTA announcement did not include any information about potential penalties, such as loss of federal funding.
Zoom out: Republican gubernatorial candidates Rick Jackson and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones voiced support for the investigation, with Jones saying that if he were elected, he would deploy state troopers on MARTA trains.
- Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms said she would tap state funding to increase the number of MARTA police officers, the AJC reports.
The intrigue: "Atlanta will not be divided by a desperate White House intent on using the tragic loss of our community member for cheap political points," Michael Collins, the director of social justice coalition Play Fair ATL, told Fox 5 in a statement.
- Collins urged MARTA to invest in transit ambassador programs and capital improvements that create a safer environment without over-policing.
What they're saying: MARTA spokesperson Stephany Fisher said in a statement to Axios that the agency looked forward to sharing the "significant investments in personnel, technology, and operational measures."
What's next: MARTA has 15 days to provide the requested information.