MARTA bus driver quits due to safety concerns after co-worker's murder

Yahoo

30-01-2025

The Brief
MARTA driver quits over safety concerns after fatal shooting
Three teens charged in Decatur MARTA driver murder
Driver calls for stronger safety measures, including police presence
A MARTA bus driver has handed in her keys and filed a lawsuit, citing unsafe working conditions.
She says she blew the whistle months before the fatal shooting of a colleague in Decatur earlier this month.
The backstory
The murder of MARTA driver Leroy Ramos in Decatur has left his co-worker, Tamara Nolan, heartbroken. "I try to really, really sound the alarm and get help before, you know, someone had to get killed. It could have been avoided, I believe," said Nolan, who had raised safety concerns months prior.
Nolan, who handed in her keys last week, says she had raised alarms after a rider, who refused to pay, threatened her life in late November.
"He said, 'I don't care if it's a supervisor, MARTA police or even you. Somebody's going to die today,'" said Nolan.
Despite reporting the incident to MARTA police, Nolan claims they didn't take her seriously.
"They let him go ahead, walk around the corner. And I was so disturbed," Nolan added.
The other side
MARTA representatives have declined multiple opportunities to provide an on-camera interview over the last couple of weeks.
But a spokesperson provided the following statement:
"MARTA has a strict de-escalation policy designed to protect operators from violence that includes not engaging with customers beyond the scope of their position as bus operator and leaving enforcement of rules to MARTA Police. All operators receive de-escalation training during their onboarding process and continued training and education throughout their employment.
"As our GM/CEO Collie Greenwood mentions in this video, there has been an uptick in violence toward transit operators nationwide, an alarming trend that began during COVID when we saw a deterioration of societal behavior. Our frontline workers are the backbone of this organization and MARTA leadership and police will continue working to protect and support our operators to ensure they feel safe on the job and well trained to react in escalating situations.
"The MARTA Police Department is committed to maintaining a secure environment across our transit system. We have a comprehensive safety plan in place, with sworn officers, Field Protective Specialists, and K-9 units providing 24/7 patrols across stations, trains, buses, and parking lots. Our Special Operations Unit, including SWAT and undercover officers, conducts targeted crime suppression details, and dedicated train patrols further enhance security throughout the system. [...]
"We encourage customers to use the MARTA See & Say app to report crimes or suspicious activity anonymously. The app allows users to send photos, videos, and messages directly to our dispatchers. Riders can also use the blue and white emergency phones in stations or contact MPD at 404-848-4911.
"MPD works closely with the Atlanta Police Department's Zone 2 and Zone 5 to further enhance safety in and around our transit system. We are committed to continuously evaluating and improving our security measures to ensure a safe transit experience for all."
What we know
Nolan has filed a federal lawsuit, claiming a hostile work environment due to unsafe conditions.
She is joined by the local bus driver's union and Ramos' family in calling for better safety protocols, particularly regarding fare evasion.
What's next
MARTA says it is working on a real-time crime center, expected to be operational by summer, to improve safety for its employees.
"MARTA's network is equipped with thousands of cameras monitored in real-time from our operations center," the agency said. "By summer 2025, we will launch a fully operational Real-Time Crime Center to strengthen our ability to prevent and respond to incidents using advanced technology integrated with our CCTV system."
The Source
FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Rob DiRienzo interviewed former MARTA bus driver Tamara Nolan for this article. He also received a statement from MARTA in response.