ATLANTA, GA — With non-essential businesses and schools temporarily closed in Atlanta, and events canceled, MARTA says it has seen a drastic reduction in ridership. As of Monday, there has been a 67 percent reduction on trains and a 55 percent reduction on buses compared to a standard weekday, said MARTA Spokeswoman Stephany Fisher.

Cities like Chicago have already announced plans to issue refunds on Chicago Transit Authority 7-Day and 30-Day passes, reports BlockClubChicago. Fisher tells Patch that MARTA is looking into credit options for riders this week.

"MARTA offers several different kinds of monthly passes, some through employers at a reduced rate and some through Breeze machines or Breeze.com," she said. "We are working through credit options this week and will communicate any fare adjustments soon." MARTA is also reviewing its service option and according to Fisher, "may implement reduced service in the near future." It would reflect the lower demand and help reduce the risk of exposure to all frontline employees.

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MARTA announced Friday that it has joined national transit agencies and transit supporting organizations in urging U.S. Congressional leadership to provide at least $16 billion in immediate direct financial assistance to ensure the continuation of transit service through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

The costs incurred from additional cleaning supplies and the decrease in ridership is impacting MARTA's bottom line, said the transit agency.

"With decreased farebox and sales tax revenue, we will be unable to sustain full bus, rail, and paratransit service for those customers who rely on us," said MARTA General Manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker in a public statement. "MARTA is strongly urging Congress to provide additional money for immediate operational and cleaning assistance to ensure we can keep providing this essential service, while anticipating the need for future financial support to ensure the long-term fiscal health of public transit."