Chicago Trio Sets Record Visiting All Atlanta MARTA Stations in Just Over Three Hours
ATLANTA, Ga. — In a remarkable display of public transit enthusiasm and planning, three Chicago residents completed a whirlwind journey through every station of Atlanta’s Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in 3 hours, 21 minutes, and 37 seconds. Joabe Barbosa, Matthew Plese, and Omar Yousaf, who previously set a Guinness World Record by visiting all 146 Chicago Transit Authority stations in under nine hours, undertook this challenge on Thursday with the goal of breaking the record for the fastest time to visit all MARTA stations.
The trio meticulously mapped their route across MARTA’s 38 stations, navigating the rail system with precision and speed. Although their time was slightly slower than their initial goal of three hours, the group remains hopeful that their evidence will be accepted by Guinness World Records, potentially earning them the official title.
“It’s not only to say, ‘Here’s our world record, look at this,’ but to make people try the transportation because it’s reliable,” Yousaf told CBS Atlanta. “You have it literally on the corner.” Their endeavor highlights the accessibility and efficiency of MARTA, encouraging residents and visitors alike to consider public transit as a viable and dependable option.
MARTA, which operates 38 rail stations across Atlanta and its surrounding areas, serves as a critical transportation network for the city. The agency’s commitment to expanding and improving public transit aligns with broader efforts nationwide to reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact. The trio’s journey underscores the potential for urban rail systems to connect communities quickly and efficiently.
Public transportation advocates often emphasize the importance of visibility and firsthand experience in promoting transit use. The Chicago trio’s record attempt serves as both a challenge and an invitation to explore Atlanta’s transit infrastructure. Their previous success in Chicago, where they visited every station in under nine hours, demonstrates a deep appreciation for urban rail systems and their role in city life.
For those interested in exploring MARTA, the agency provides comprehensive resources and schedules on its official website, itsmarta.com, offering riders tools to plan efficient trips across the city. Additionally, the Federal Transit Administration supports initiatives to improve transit accessibility and reliability nationwide, reinforcing the importance of these systems in urban mobility.
As cities continue to grapple with traffic congestion and environmental concerns, the spotlight on public transit grows ever brighter. Efforts like this record-setting journey not only celebrate the capabilities of transit networks but also encourage more sustainable travel choices. The trio’s feat in Atlanta is a testament to the possibilities that well-planned and accessible public transportation systems can offer to urban dwellers.
More information on MARTA’s services and updates can be found through the Atlanta Regional Commission, which coordinates transportation planning and development in the metropolitan area. The success of this record attempt may inspire similar challenges and increased ridership, further promoting the benefits of public transit across the country.
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