Public transit ridership up after Atlanta bridge collapse

ATLANTA — The Ledger reports that Atlanta area commuters are crowding mass transit trains and fewer cars are hitting the road this week, easing fears of fierce gridlock after last week’s fiery collapse of a key interstate bridge.

Acknowledging the spike in train and bus riders, Georgia’s governor pledged state financial assistance for agencies providing more frequent transit service and is seeking more federal aid for that same purpose, according to the report.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority reported a big rush hour jump in passengers on its northern rail lines Monday morning, up 50% to 73% as many commuters sought to avoid the highways altogether. For the full story, click here.