While MARTA is one of the safest and easiest transit systems in the country, certainly not all areas have the safest stations. Below are some general tips, prevalent issues and my experience/knowledge of crime near certain stations. While safety issues are few on MARTA, outside of the stations can be a different story. So if you are new to the city or new to MARTA and don't want to get off in a bad place, read on.
- Beggars and street people are all around the Five Points Station, and to a lesser degree all stations north of Five Points to about Midtown. Downtown Decatur occassionally has panhandlers as well.
- Garnett is not a good place to be at night, even though the Greyhound Station is there.
- Generally all stations on the south line are a no-go after dark, either due to crime or lack of proximity to commercial areas/businesses or other resources should you need help.
- On the east line, muggings have been issues on the southern side of some stations. The line runs along Dekalb Avenue and a freight rail line, and most stations provide the option to exit to one or the other side of the tracks. In more plain speak, it isn't the safest to walk around Reynoldstown (south of Inman Park) or Edgewood (south of Candler Park). However, East Lake station to the south is Oakhurst, which is a safer area.
- King Memorial Station is improving, but it isn't a great place to be at after dark, on either side of the station.
- Civic Center Station is near a homeless shelter. Best to avoid walking down Pine Street.
- Use caution when exiting at the North Avenue and Midtown Stations. Muggings have occurred along Juniper/Courtland Street and Piedmont Avenue. Best to walk mainly on Peachtree Street and keep north of 5th Street, especially at night.
- The area around the Lindbergh Station used to have some Mexican gangs.
- While the end of the line stations might be quieter, they often are somewhat isolated and contain a lot of parking or parking decks, which generally aren't as safe as an open street scene, and makes it harder to get help or assistance.
- Some stations require a great deal of underground walking, stairs and darker corridors: Sandy Springs, Lenox, Peachtree Center, Arts Center, Dome/GWCC/Phillips Arena
For more information: See MARTA Safety Tips and the 5 of the Safest MARTA Stations
Comments