Mass(ive mess) transit in ATL at a crossroads

The Ron Show airs weekdays at 8am and 4pm on Georgia NOW

From Friday, June 5, 2026 episode of The Ron Show

First, with the loss of Atlanta Civic Circle, a reminder that local journalism, local podcasting, local “scrutinizers” are in short supply even in a big city, and this economy and constantly altering landscape in news and content delivery don’t make it any easier.

That’s why I chose to divulge that my personal income situation necessitates me taking a job that’ll ensure a more stable income for me; but the hope is I’ll be able to figure the schedule to keep doing this show. So with that …

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Despite crime data showing violent crime is down both in Atlanta and where MARTA police has jurisdiction, two prominent incidents – a violent stabbing murder and a gang-related shooting – has passengers on edge and dubious right wing politicians looking to capitalize. Burt Jones, for example, has spouted off a time or two on social media – even⁠ tying Keisha Lance Bottoms to MARTA⁠ – while ⁠offering nothing to actually solve what ails MARTA⁠. That’s the GOP for you, though: never solutions, just band aids with badges.

AJC op/ed writer David Plazas ⁠wrote on the MARTA situation⁠ – from the standpoint of someone who enjoys using it frequently. Like the rest of us, he wants MARTA to succeed and to be better.

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Another situation where the city’s mass transit needs are being awfully bungled: the Atlanta Beltline that now has autonomous vehicles connecting patrons to the southwest portion of the trail via “ATL Spoke.” One problem: ⁠a study touting its use was biased according to a filed complaint⁠.

Sara Gregory’s thorough piece in the AJC offers a LOT of smoke that may well lead to a roaring fire of corruption.