ATLANTA — The MARTA Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport station is closed for six weeks starting early Monday.
According to a MARTA spokesperson, the purpose of the closure is so crews can renovate the concourse and platform levels. There are signs and screens displaying the announcement at several stations.
Brandon Baity said on Sunday that he rides the train seven days a week and had no idea about the closure.
"I really just heard about it," Baity said. "I hope everybody gets to work on time 'cause it's not going to be good."
April Banton said she's been riding the train for over 30 years.
"Because they're shutting down, it's going to convert your commute," Banton said.
During the closure, a representative from MARTA said work would include replacing floor tiles as well as preparing the site for a new canopy structure.
For the time being, MARTA is offering free bus shuttles to and from the airport.
Shubha Dwarkanath said she only takes the train once a month.
"I'm flying back tomorrow, which means that the first time I'm going to use the shuttle," Dwarkanath said.
She wishes there was more communication.
"Frequent travelers might know it better," Dwarkanath said. "If you have the app, they might know it better, but people like me who travel maybe once in a while, it's very different."
But Kaitelyn Digioa and her baby daughter Thea are more concerned about how often these shuttles will show up.
"Having it run super frequently would be great," Digioa said. "I don't know how frequently it'll run, but hopefully, people won't have to wait very long for a shuttle."
Dwarkanath is hoping the MARTA app will send alerts.
"Just sending push notifications through the app and making use of technology," Dwarkanath said.
Because millions of people depend on MARTA, paying attention will be key for the next few weeks.
"People will really see the value of Marta with not having access to the airport for a few months," Digioa said.
The MARTA spokesperson suggests that anyone flying should allow themselves an extra 30 minutes to get to the airport.
For those planning to use the shuttles, here are some tips:
- If working at the airport, take the train to the College Park station and hop on the shuttle from there.
- If flying out or headed home, follow the signs at the airport to ground transportation. There will be a sign that says "MARTA shuttle to train," where one can board.
In general, the new shuttle will run 22 hours a day from 4 a.m. until 2 a.m. The station is expected to reopen on May 19. In addition to the spring closure, the station will close nightly next year.