Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) GM/CEO Jeffrey Parker named Rhonda Allen as the agency’s new chief customer experience officer and announced the formation of a Riders’ Advisory Council to ensure customers’ voices are heard regarding operations and capital programs.

During her 20-year career at MARTA, Allen has worked closely with all departments across the authority, most recently coordinating and implementing plans for Super Bowl LIII. Allen’s first order of business is establishing the authority’s inaugural Riders’ Advisory Council, a group of 25 customers from diverse backgrounds who live or work in one of MARTA’s four jurisdictions, City of Atlanta, Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton Counties.

After the selection process, the council will meet monthly beginning in May to provide input on a diverse array of topics including the design of the new railcars, service delivery, rail station, and bus stop amenities; how best to communicate with riders; and ways to ensure MARTA’s rehabilitation and expansion projects minimally impact customers.