METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

MARTA Sees Reduction in Crime

In 2022, MPD reported a 17% reduction in Part 1 crimes (violent and property crimes), and a 42% reduction in operator assaults.

MARTA Sees Reduction in Crime

MPD also partners with fellow law enforcement agencies to provide additional officer visibility and security to the MARTA system.

Photo: MARTA

2 min to read


The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police Department (MPD) accomplished a reduction in violent crimes in 2022, according to the agency's news release.

In 2022, MPD reported a 17% reduction in Part 1 crimes (violent and property crimes), and a 42% reduction in operator assaults. Enforcement of MARTA’s Ride With Respect Program resulted in over 5,000 temporary or yearlong system suspensions for violators and over 70 permanent bans.

Ad Loading...

“The most important responsibility we have as a transit agency and our number one priority is keeping our customers and employees safe,” said Collie Greenwood, MARTA CEO. “To see such a dramatic reduction in violence against our operators and a decline in overall crime on the system, along with the recent state certification is further proof that the MARTA Police Department is one of the top law enforcement agencies in the state.” 

MPD saw a reduction in its employee vacancy rate. Increased officer visibility on trains through an overtime patrol program cleared railcars of thousands of loiterers and sleepers and connected homeless individuals with resources through the MARTA Hope Program

“We were able to add to our dedicated team of sworn officers and Field Protective Specialists in the past year and that has allowed us to put more people in more places,” said Scott Kreher, MARTA police chief. “From our uniformed, K-9, and more visible officers, to those in plain clothes or working undercover, rest assured, there is a MARTA police presence systemwide."

MPD also partners with fellow law enforcement agencies to provide additional officer visibility and security to the MARTA system and surrounding communities. MPD’s Central Precinct partnered with the Atlanta Police Department and Georgia State University law enforcement on a joint crime suppression detail.

Last year, they responded to 2,864 calls and made 91 arrests. A similar detail consisting of MARTA and Atlanta bicycle officers patrolled the Lindbergh area and answered 1,338 calls for service and made 160 arrests.

Ad Loading...

MPD recently achieved state law enforcement certification.

More Security and Safety

2026 Disaster Response Guide Call for Experts is Open.
Safetyby StaffFebruary 9, 2026

Disaster Readiness Starts Before the Storm [Call for Experts]

The 2026 Disaster Response Guide is officially underway, and we’re now opening a Call for Insights and Experts.

Read More →
A Société de transport de Montréal articulating public transit bus.
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 4, 2026

Montreal’s STM Expands Text Message Safety Reporting to Bus Network

The agency opens its text message safety reporting system to buses, enabling discreet, non-urgent reports across Montreal’s entire transit network.

Read More →
A graphic with an image of the CATS Blue Line and text reading "FTA Cites 18 Safety Violations at CATS Following Federal Audit."
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 3, 2026

Federal Transit Administration Cites 18 Safety Violations at CATS Following Audit

The audit found multiple safety compliance failures at the Charlotte agency, citing elevated assault risks and ordering corrective action within 30 days.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 22, 2026

Researchers Identify Top Risk Factors for Pedestrian-vehicle Crashes at Massachusetts Bus Stops

While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.

Read More →
CTA railcar in station.
Technologyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

CTA Innovation Studio Expands Pilot to Reduce Smoke, Odors

The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.

Read More →
New MCTS Bus design.
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

Milwaukee Rolls Out New Measures to Enhance Bus Safety

MCTS officials said the new pilots are part of a broader commitment to improving the rider experience through proactive, visible safety strategies that balance enforcement with customer support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Transit signal priority and public transit agencies.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 16, 2026

How AI is Redefining Transit Operations and Signal Priority

In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 15, 2026

SEPTA Crime Rates Continue Downward Trend, Report Finds

In addition, Transit Police reported strides in stepped-up enforcement of fare evasion and quality-of-ride offenses.

Read More →

People Movement: Vontas Names New GM and Much More

METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A overhead view of an LA Metro rail station platform.
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 13, 2026

LA Metro Launches Care-Based Public Safety Division

The new division brings ambassadors, outreach, and crisis response together to improve safety, coordination, and rider experience systemwide.

Read More →