I left work late on Thursday, going home using MARTA as usual. MARTA trains were not affected by the event. I did not see the fire, but I was able to catch evacuations on camera from the train.
#I85 evacuations under way after bridge collapsed north of @MidtownATL. Drive safe everyone. pic.twitter.com/aHGPDyZYCf— Binh(Energy+Transit) (@bdenergytransit) March 31, 2017
On Friday, March 31, I decide to buy a monthly pass, which I loaded on one of my blue Breeze Cards. I used a separate card from the silver card I normally use because I knew I would start using the pass a few days later. Friday was the last day to reload blue Breeze Cards as MARTA is phasing them out. (You cannot reload or check balance on Blue cards anymore, and blue cards will not be accepted as of July 9, 2017.)
Last day today to reload your @MARTASERVICE blue... no, Sapphire Breeze card! @MarkToro pic.twitter.com/diPn7MOG1V
— Binh(Energy+Transit) (@bdenergytransit) March 31, 2017
I was able to catch on camera the emptiness of I-85 from the train on Friday morning. The sight was literally unreal, some friends referring to a 'Walking Dead' scene!
Unreal sight from #MARTA the morning after #i85collapse pic.twitter.com/7CztSSqZcH
— Binh(Energy+Transit) (@bdenergytransit) March 31, 2017
On Saturday, I traveled on Piedmont Rd near the I-85 bridge. Piedmont Rd was closed over the weekend for crews to clean the debris. Piedmont Rd is now partially reopen.
Piedmont Rd closed for cleanup. Buford hwy northbound is open (southbound is closed) #I85BridgeCollapse #i85collapse pic.twitter.com/7lvYq7xL4m
— Binh(Energy+Transit) (@bdenergytransit) April 3, 2017
On Monday and Tuesday during the rush hour, MARTA and MARTA Army deployed volunteers to handle the influx of new passengers. MARTA reported as much as 25% increase in ridership from the loss of the bridge. Around 40 volunteers were stationed throughout MARTA stations!
MARTA Army volunteers are helping first time users navigate the system throughout Metro Atlanta in the wake of #85Collapse pic.twitter.com/FNdVVWH4O5
— MARTA Army (@MARTAarmy) April 3, 2017
On Monday afternoon, MARTA Arts Center Station was noticeably more crowded. I worked remotely on Monday to avoid storms.
Noticeably larger crowds at #MARTA Arts Center #I85BridgeCollapse #i85collapse #LetsMoveAtl pic.twitter.com/09QIJeCscb
— Binh(Energy+Transit) (@bdenergytransit) April 3, 2017
What's next? Bridge reopening was announced for June 15. Meanwhile, commuters will have to do with delays, long detours, and low parking availability at MARTA stations and park-and-ride lots. Some hope that new transit users will find it worthwhile stick with it. What are your hopes?
