MARTA To Run Emergency Training Exercise at Decatur, Sandy Springs Stations

DECATUR, GA — The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police Department will conduct a full-scale training exercise (Operation Deep Impact) from 11:30 p.m. Saturday through 3 a.m. Sunday at the Decatur and Sandy Springs MARTA stations, according to a MARTA statement.

Operation Deep Impact provides the opportunity for police, MARTA staff and other emergency response agencies "to address potential incidents, such as terrorist attacks, pandemics or natural disasters, in a real-life setting," MARTA said.

MARTA will be single-tracking at the Decatur Station from 11:30 p.m. Saturday, with rail service ending at midnight. Bus service will continue at the Decatur bus loop for the entire evening. A bus bridge will start between East Lake and Avondale from 11:30 p.m. until end of revenue service to accommodate for the closed rail lines at Decatur.

Regular service will not be interrupted at the Sandy Springs Station. Customers will be guided by MARTA personnel who will be posted near the platform entrances, since portions of the parking deck will be closed for the exercise.

The Federal Transit Authority and the Department of Homeland Security require that transit agencies of MARTA’s size conduct these exercises to assess plans and response capabilities.

Release: MARTA

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