MARTA, Atlanta airport predict wild, busy Labor Day Weekend ahead

Labor Day Weekend is almost upon us, and in Atlanta that means it’s time for “Clusterfest”—and to seriously consider taking public transit.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest, is preparing for an estimated 2.3 million passengers to travel through between today and next Wednesday, marking a 1 percent increase over last year and one of the busiest stretches of the year.

Airport officials say the busiest day will be Friday, with more than 335,000 passengers projected to pass through ATL that day alone. They’re encouraging all travelers to arrive at least two hours before domestic departures—and at least three hours before international ones—over the week ahead. They advise to check all luggage before arriving at the airport and to allow extra time for parking, passenger drop-offs and pick-ups, and ground transportation.

Speaking of, MARTA as usual is urging metro Atlantans and our welcomed guests to use public transit for events that kick off Thursday and wrap up Monday. (Extra rail service, along with additional staff and security, are on deck for “high-ridership” locations on Saturday and Sunday, per MARTA officials.)

MARTA

MARTA sends the following instructions for getting to and from primary events:

Dragon Con
Thursday, Sept. 3 – Monday, Sept. 7
Downtown Atlanta
Take MARTA to Peachtree Center station

Aflac Kickoff Classic / Baylor vs. Auburn
Saturday, Sept. 5 at 3:30 p.m.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Take MARTA to SEC District or Vine City stations

Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival
Saturday, Sept. 5 – Sunday, Sept. 6
Old Fourth Ward Park
Take MARTA to Inman Park/Reynoldstown or King Memorial stations

Pure Heat Community Festival
Sunday, Sept. 6 at noon
Piedmont Park
Take MARTA to Midtown Station

Big Peach Sizzler 10K & 5K
Monday, Sept. 7 at 7 a.m.
Peachtree Road (Brookhaven/Chamblee to Buckhead)
Take MARTA to Chamblee, Brookhaven, or Buckhead stations

Officials note that, due to ongoing construction, Five Points station still can only be accessed at Forsyth and Peachtree streets, with restrooms and customer services closed.

College football fanatics especially might want to note: Public restrooms are available at 16 rail stations, and SMART restrooms will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at these rail stations: Decatur, Doraville, East Point, H.E. Holmes, Lindbergh, and SEC District.

Transit officials recommend downloading the new MARTA app to plan trips, and to check rail station parking availability here.

You can also use the MARTA app—or call 404-848-4911—to report problems or suspicious behavior.

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MARTA Reach Glow-Up

In other MARTA news, the transit agency today announced a “major service enhancement” for its popular on-demand transit service MARTA Reach, starting Saturday.

MARTA Reach plans to debut a new fleet of blue, Dodge ProMaster vehicles designed for more passenger comfort, improved accessibility, and overall efficiency, each wrapped in standout branding for riders to easily identify them, per transit officials.

Courtesy of MARTA

The new on-demand Dodges will be deployed across 12 designated Reach service zones. (Riders can book trips via the MARTA Reach app over here.) All new vehicles will feature tap-to-ride MARTA Breeze Card or mobile payment options directly at the vehicle door. Traditional cash fareboxes are coming soon, per MARTA reps.

The new fleet “underscores our dedication to offering state-of-the-art transit solutions and meeting our riders where they are,” said new MARTA general manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt, in an announcement. “This service has proven to be popular with our customers, and these new vehicles will offer them an even more comfortable ride.”

Here’s a closer look at MARTA’s newest rides:

Courtesy of MARTA