ATLANTA — The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is seeking people to serve on its Riders’ Advisory Council — an all-volunteer group that provides feedback on improving the overall transit experience for customers.
The current council members are stepping down in May following a two-year term.
The council is comprised of 25 members from its four service jurisdictions — city of Atlanta, and Clayton, DeKalb and Fulton counties.
Anyone is eligible to sit on the council except for MARTA employees, owners or employees of businesses with active MARTA contracts, elected officials, and those younger than 18.
“The RAC offers a forum for transit stakeholders to share their concerns and opinions, and members serve as an important link to the communities we serve,” said MARTA Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen, who presides over the council. “I encourage transit advocates and critics to apply so together we can ensure customer input is part of the decision-making process.”
RAC member Jason Hamilton, of Fulton County, said the experience has been informative and rewarding.
“It allowed me to better understand how MARTA supports and serves the metro Atlanta area,” Hamilton said. “I like that MARTA wants to get our opinions and is interested in seeing things from the customers’ point of view.”
Debra Meadows, of DeKalb County, said being on the RAC has helped change her outlook about transit.
“It’s easy to be on the outside looking in, but if you participate in the RAC, you will find out what’s really going on and how you can make a difference,” Meadows said. “The group is so diverse, and it’s good to find out all the ways that people use MARTA. It also inspired me to ride more and to share what I’ve learned with my community.”
Council meetings are the first Wednesday of each month, beginning in…
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