MARTA said vandalism of its new faregates at rail stations will lead to felony charges and a permanent ban from using the system.
Stephany Fisher, MARTA’s senior director of communications, said in an email to Rough Draft that five faregates were broken or intentionally damaged in the past week. The transit agency is installing thicker glass for its faregates following the incidents.
Under state law, intentionally destroying property and causing damage that exceeds $500 results in a felony charge. Replacement of faregate glass exceeds $500, MARTA said in a statement.
With 12,000 cameras systemwide, many pointed directly at station entrances, exits, and faregates, MARTA Police said it will be watching more closely for suspects.
“We are watching you and if you intentionally damage a faregate by attempting to push through or in an act of vandalism, you will be caught and charged with a felony,” MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher said in a statement. “A felony offense on your record is not worth $2.50. Pay your fare and do not tamper with or destroy fare gates or any MARTA property.”
In addition, Fisher told Rough Draft that vandals will be permanently banned from MARTA.
Customers can anonymously report vandalism, suspicious, or nuisance behavior through the new MARTA app that now includes MPD’s See & Say reporting platform, or by calling (404) 848-4901.
