MARTA to clarify eating, drinking restrictions
Since new law lifted ban on eating and drinking in MARTA rail and intermodal stations, the agency has experienced increased incidences of patrons eating and drinking on its vehicles.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will begin posting and distributing communications materials reminding customers that, while a new state law allows eating and drinking in its rail and intermodal stations, the consumption of food on MARTA trains and buses is still prohibited.
Since a new law went into effect on July 1, 2009, lifting the ban on eating and drinking in MARTA rail and intermodal stations, the authority has experienced increased incidents of patrons eating and drinking on its vehicles. Officials say the restrictions remain in place for safety reasons and to control maintenance costs associated with the consumption of food on its buses and trains.
"We know it can be a bit confusing for our customers to understand what is permitted and what's not when riding the system, so we are working to get information posted that will help them clearly understand what this new law allows," said MARTA GM/CEO, Dr. Beverly A. Scott.
Along with the prohibition of food consumption on MARTA buses and trains, customers also cannot bring food on MARTA vehicles unless it is in a closed container, or consume beverages on MARTA vehicles unless the beverage is in a re-sealable plastic container. Re-sealable is defined as a top that, when securely placed on a container, prevents spillage or leakage.
More Bus

Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters
The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.
Read More →
Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →
When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.
Read More →
Photo Highlights from APTA's 2026 Mobility Conference
The photo gallery captures scenes from the conference, including the International Bus Roadeo, exhibit hall activities, the Bus Showcase, and much more.
Read More →
Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin
Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Approves Annual Transit Service Plan
Between 2021 and 2024, SEPTA held more than 200 public meetings — including 144 in-person sessions — throughout the SEPTA service region.
Read More →A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →
WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign
The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.
Read More →