MARTA not kid-friendly (places, kids, people)

[toll_booth]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

i honestly think there should be some kind of monthly 'family pass' that can allow up to five people in on a single pass; price it around $250. the insurance against abuse would be that there's only one card; five people who live separately wouldn't be able to use it without having to trade out the card constantly.

I like the idea in theory. But as has been pointed out, in practice, that could lead to a surge in fare gate jumping.

[fourthwarden]

Originally Posted by toll_booth

I like the idea in theory. But as has been pointed out, in practice, that could lead to a surge in fare gate jumping.

Could, instead, have the whole (up to 5 maybe?) family go to a reduced fare office, present IDs for proof of relation (or something similar?) and have just those 5 cards activated under a family plan of the same name.

[toll_booth]

Originally Posted by fourthwarden

Could, instead, have the whole (up to 5 maybe?) family go to a reduced fare office, present IDs for proof of relation (or something similar?) and have just those 5 cards activated under a family plan of the same name.

Maybe.

Any word on what other transit systems do to deal with this issue?

[AfternoonCoffee]

Originally Posted by cqholt

As I provided the link and the information is in every station several times; near the BreezeCard vending machines, on the fare gates, and at every poster showing the fare structure.
Kids under 46' are free, limit 2 free kids per 1 paying adult.

As far as family affordability, I think 46" pretty generous. My 6 yr old is on the "tall & thin" side at 42"
So we're talking about a lot of kids up to about age 7-8 being able to ride for free.

Now, of course, I'm sure someone out there has super-tall 5 year old quadruplets, and they must take MARTA each and everyday...So, to that person: I'm sorry I said MARTA's policy was generous.

[magnetar]

Originally Posted by AtlJan

Very frustrating to ride Marta with kids. Same thing--I slid my card and sent the child through, and then was going to slide the card for myself. It didn't work. Had to leave my child unattended inside the marta station for 5 full minutes while I waited in line again, bought another card for myself and paid for myself. Only later did I find out the child was free, but there was still no indication of how I was supposed to get the child through for free. Never again.

My first time driving a car was very frustrating. I put the key in the ignition and turned it. It didn't start. Spent almost an hour trying to figure it out to no avail. There was no indication that I needed to push in the clutch first. Never again.

[bryantm3]

Originally Posted by bu2

Distance based pricing.

how would this in any way at all affect the fact that it's not economical for a family to use MARTA?

Originally Posted by fourthwarden

Could, instead, have the whole (up to 5 maybe?) family go to a reduced fare office, present IDs for proof of relation (or something similar?) and have just those 5 cards activated under a family plan of the same name.

this could work also. MARTA just needs some kind of family pass system.

[fourthwarden]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

how would this in any way at all affect the fact that it's not economical for a family to use MARTA?

this could work also. MARTA just needs some kind of family pass system.

I know APS had some kind of program for students in need. You could go get a breeze card from one of the counselors at intervals through the year. Not sure how much they subsidized it, or what the deal was for getting one since I lived close enough to not need it.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

how would this in any way at all affect the fact that it's not economical for a family to use MARTA?



this could work also. MARTA just needs some kind of family pass system.

For shorter trips, it would make it more economical for families to use it. For those where the cost is significant, it would usually be shorter trips they were taking.

For another idea, it also seems that their student fares are only tied into specific schools. You have to get the special rate from the school (correct me if I'm wrong anyone). If there was a more general reduced price for minors, it could help.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by fourthwarden

I know APS had some kind of program for students in need. You could go get a breeze card from one of the counselors at intervals through the year. Not sure how much they subsidized it, or what the deal was for getting one since I lived close enough to not need it.

There's a student pass that is $14.40 for 10 trips, but as I said, I think you have to get it specifically from a school participating. You can't just decide one Saturday to buy a student pass and take your kid somewhere.

[netdragon]

They need to make it a little more obvious kids under 46" are free. Maybe have a little turtle holding a ruler thing like some places have. It's almost like they are trying to hide the fact, and just want to point to that if people complain.


Anyway, yeah a family pass would be nice too for older kids, like you are saying.