Atlanta travelers ditch cars for trains as summer kicks off

Memorial Day weekend has kicked off the summer travel season, with many in metro Atlanta opting for trains instead of roads. Higher fuel costs and busy highways are pushing people toward public transport. MARTA alone expects up to 10,000 passengers daily during the holiday. The Georgia Department of Transportation has suspended interstate lane closures statewide until Tuesday morning. This move aims to ease traffic for the long weekend. Even so, drivers should prepare for heavier congestion on major routes.

For some, trains have become the smarter choice. Amy Williams, visiting family in Atlanta, picked MARTA over an Uber because it cost just $2.50. During her stay, she plans to attend a Jazz Festival and cook on Monday. Adhyot Singh also switched to MARTA after a friend recommended it for its affordability. Others are looking beyond local transit. Christina Diaz chose Amtrak instead of flying, citing both convenience and lower fares. Rising gas prices played a role in her decision, reflecting a wider trend among travellers seeking cheaper alternatives.

With more people turning to trains and roads still likely to be busy, this weekend highlights changing travel habits. MARTA’s ridership surge and the pause in lane closures show efforts to manage the holiday rush. The shift toward public transport may continue as fuel costs remain high.