MARTA STATIONS
MARTA is looking for ways to improve how it functions and expand ridership in socially impactful ways. Some approaches are through re-imagining Five Points station by local organizations such as StationSoccer and AGlanta. AGlanta is City of Atlanta’s urban agriculture program and has taken roots at the Five Points station with vegetable planters available for public use. StationSoccer works to connect communities through transit, soccer, and leadership training. These initiatives encourage transit use, connect people, and create a healthier public realm. In looking at the Five Points MARTA station, there are opportunities to embed Atlanta’s main transportation hub into the urban fabric. This work has started through efforts led by these initiatives.
WHAT WE ARE LEARNING
Activation takes multiple types of programming: There are many components to activating a space. StationSoccer and AGlanta are taking our transit stations in the right direction. However, our work is far from finished.
Fills a demand: The success of StationSoccer exceeded expectations and has filled a void in athletic programming that is benefiting Atlanta’s underserved youth.
Maximizes utility of open spaces: There is underutlized space in both West End and Five Points stations. Re-examining how all stations interact with the street level could change how people engage in these open spaces and use transit.
WHAT WE LIKE
Encourages transit use: When transit is convenient and well planned, people will use it. Creating activities around transit stations gets people moving on MARTA.
Improves quality of life: Well designed spaces improve health by creating opportunities for social interaction and physical activity.
Brings people to new places: Programs bring people together to experience other communities in Atlanta.
