Behind the Ride: MARTA Mobility: A Vital
Connection
For many riders, MARTA Mobility is more than a transportation service; it is a lifeline. Designed for individuals with qualifying disabilities, MARTA Mobility extends the reach of MARTA’s bus and rail system, ensuring safe, reliable, and accessible transportation across the region.
MARTA Mobility provides curb-to-curb and, when requested, door-to-door service within three-quarters of a mile of any MARTA bus route or rail station. Trips are reservation-based, allowing riders to schedule travel at least one day in advance, with flexibility to plan up to three days ahead.
Every trip is backed by a team working around the clock. Operators start as early as 3:30 a.m. to meet the first pickups at 4:00 a.m., while lot supervisors handle pre-trip inspections and vehicle pull-outs. Dispatch monitors trips in real time, helping operators navigate challenging locations and adjusting routes as
needed. Behind the scenes, scheduling and customer service teams ensure every trip is assigned efficiently.
The fleet has grown to better serve the community. In addition to traditional lift vans, MARTA Mobility now uses Dodge ProMasters and Chrysler Pacificas for locations harder to reach with larger vehicles. Fleet expansion continues to be evaluated to
provide greater flexibility and coverage for riders.
Technology is improving the experience for riders and staff. MARTA Mobility is transitioning to the RideCo platform, which will handle reservations, dynamic scheduling, dispatching, and reporting. RideCo will allow passengers to book, cancel, or track trips via mobile app, web portal, or phone, providing more independence
while keeping staff available to support riders as needed. Fare collection is also being upgraded, allowing Mobility passengers to use the Breeze app or a physical or virtual Breeze card on all vehicles.
MARTA Mobility is more than logistics. Operators and customer service staff help riders access medical appointments, work, school, grocery stores, and social activities. During challenging conditions, such as inclement weather or service disruptions, the
Mobility team ensures no rider is left stranded, coordinating closely with passengers and essential services.
That commitment was on full display during an ordinary trip that became an extraordinary moment of service.
As MARTA Mobility Operator Rosetta Wakefield approached a customer’s destination, she encountered a blocked street caused by downed trees and power lines. Rather than ending the trip at the closure, Wakefield secured her vehicle and safely pushed the customer’s
wheelchair up a hill to ensure they reached their home.
A bystander witnessed the moment, captured photos, and shared them with Sgt. R. Fields of the MARTA Police Department, who later contacted MARTA Mobility to recognize Wakefield’s actions.
The moment reflects what MARTA Mobility stands for. Not simply completing a trip but truly serving the person behind the reservation.
For the people who work in MARTA Mobility, the impact is deeply rewarding. “Working in Mobility gives our operators the chance to make a real difference every day,” said Delton Quarles, Mobility Operations Program Manager. “The work can be challenging but helping riders maintain their independence makes it incredibly
rewarding. Our team builds patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills while serving people who truly rely on this service. That sense of purpose is what keeps our operators engaged and proud of the work they do.”
Through careful planning, coordination, and dedication, MARTA Mobility ensures riders can reach their destinations safely and reliably. It is a service that connects the community, empowers independence, and demonstrates MARTA’s commitment to accessible transportation for all.
For more information please visit :
itsmarta.com/marta-mobility.aspx
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