Atlanta's public transit system plans crackdown on 'nuisance' riders

ATLANTA - Metro Atlanta's public transit system is vowing to crack down on riders who bother other passengers by begging, listening to loud music and being unruly.

The effort is part of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's "Ride with Respect" campaign.

MARTA executives tell WSB-TV that so-called nuisance crimes are one reason people avoid riding the trains and buses -- and they want to improve public perceptions about safety on the system.

MARTA's board is set to vote Monday on a plan that could result in violators being banned from the system for up to a year.

MARTA General Manager Keith Parker warned that riders will see increased warnings and citations for panhandling and nuisance crimes.

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