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Seniors Navigate Dangerous Paths After Bus Stop Closure
10 Jun
Summary
- Elderly residents face hazardous walks to new bus stops.
- MARTA's route consolidation impacts seniors with mobility issues.
- Residents question transit authority's community engagement efforts.
Elderly residents at Berean Village Senior Housing in Southwest Atlanta now face perilous journeys to their nearest MARTA bus stop following the consolidation of a route in April. The elimination of the stop directly outside their building necessitates a half-mile walk across a bridge and a busy street, posing significant risks for seniors with health conditions and mobility challenges.
LeRon Moore, an 84-year-old cancer survivor, expressed the difficulty of reaching his appointments, stating the new walk takes 20 to 25 minutes and exacerbates his foot pain. MARTA cites historically low ridership and operational challenges as reasons for the change, noting the previous stop had approximately five boardings per day. However, residents and community leaders like Jasmine Hope, president of the Mozley Park Neighborhood Association, question the data's accuracy and transparency.
Concerns extend beyond Berean Village, with Fulton County Commissioners reporting similar issues affecting seniors at other facilities. Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman criticized MARTA for perceived disrespect towards the elderly and disabled, referencing issues with the MARTA Mobility program also facing complaints for long wait times. While MARTA is open to community feedback, officials indicated potential adjustments could take up to a year, leaving residents feeling abandoned.
