The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is looking for new members to join its Riders’ Advisory Council (RAC), a volunteer group that provides feedback and suggestions to improve the transit system. The RAC was created in 2020 with the intent to help the public understand how MARTA operates and to be used as a way to gather feedback to help improve the transit system.
What is the RAC and why does it matter?
The RAC is composed of 30 people who represent a diverse cross-section of the communities MARTA serves in Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton counties and the City of Atlanta. RAC members serve two-year terms and meet monthly to learn about the inner workings of the transit system and offer their viewpoints on potential customer impacts of projects such as realignment of MARTA’s bus network, station enhancements, design of new railcars, customer communications and the rollout of digital signage.
The RAC plays a strictly advisory role and no votes are taken. However, the RAC is a major component of a long-term commitment from MARTA to change the way it conducts business and make the agency more responsive to its customers. MARTA believes in giving customers a meaningful voice and actively listening to what they have to say.
How to apply and what are the requirements?
MARTA is accepting applications for the RAC until April 30, 2024. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in MARTA’s service area. MARTA employees, contractors and elected officials are not eligible to serve on the RAC. Applicants must also demonstrate a keen interest in promoting transit and have regular ridership habits, commuting experiences and community involvement.
Applicants can access the online application form on MARTA’s website. The finalists will be selected based on factors such as diversity, availability, and suitability for the council. The new RAC members will be announced in June 2024 and will begin their term in July 2024.
What are the benefits of joining the RAC?
By joining the RAC, members will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the various aspects of MARTA’s operations, planning, finance, projects, and initiatives
- Share their ideas and opinions on how to improve MARTA’s services and customer experience
- Network with other transit enthusiasts and advocates from different backgrounds and perspectives
- Contribute to the advancement of MARTA’s mission: Providing safe multimodal transit services that advance prosperity, connectivity and equity for a more livable region.
MARTA’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, Rhonda N. Allen, who manages the RAC, said: “The RAC is a valuable resource for us to hear directly from the people who ride MARTA and to incorporate their feedback into our decision-making process. We are looking for passionate and committed individuals who want to make a positive difference for MARTA and the region.”
