Comments on: Decatur PD and MARTA Official Reports on Bus/Train Collision

By: David Harris

David Harris — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:15:35 +0000

Some MARTA buses look like they would indeed have a very difficult time getting across that hump.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Midtown_MARTA_Bus.jpg

http://nyctransitforums.com/forums/uploads/med_gallery_8314_5_1466967.jpg

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 24 May 2013 02:28:06 +0000

I’m interested in the clearance issue. I know that school busses have a much higher clearance (as you mentioned, Steve) but some of the Marta busses do look like they sag low to the ground. And if a tires was low, let’s say, I could see how it might get stuck on the hill of the crossing. It’s strange that it’s never happened before and certainly very disconcerting for future trips across on Marta.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:12:37 +0000

If you look at the map link I posted, the route is a straight shot up McDonough St over the tracks. No turn involved.

By: Keith F

Keith F — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:21:35 +0000

Was the bus route a straight shot over those tracks, or did it require a turn into it? If it turned and the turn wasn’t executed well then wheels could get off the side of the road which could increase the possibility of getting “stuck.” That would be user error. If it’s a straight shot and the ground really met the bus carriage, then that is no longer a good route.

I’m no expert, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:01:18 +0000

Yeah, but that’s the first incident of this type at that crossing in my memory and dozens of MARTA buses go over there every day. Remember, too, that school buses have a much higher clearance.