If you are passionate about public transit, or if you want a bigger say in how MARTA runs its service, apply to the Riders’ Advisory Council. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 1.

Members representing Clayton County, as well as Dekalb, Fulton, and the City of Atlanta serve on the council. Residents of those areas can serve on the council, unless they work for MARTA, own or work for a company with an active MARTA contract, are under 18, or are an elected official.

The 25 members of MARTA’s inaugural Riders’ Advisory Council, an all-volunteer group that gives MARTA feedback on the riders’ experience, will step down in May, after having served two years. Clayton County’s representatives include Brenda Harrison and Khari Lewis. Some of the things the outgoing council took part in included:

the new railcars’ interior and exterior designs
ways to have less impact on riders during expansion and enhancement projects
recommending a signaled crosswalk at Civic Center Station (to be completed this spring)

Starting in June, the new council will meet every first Wednesday of the month. Some of the topics members will offer feedback on include:

mobile apps
digital customer communication platforms
rail station appearance and amenities
bus network redesign

Members also will learn about MARTA from the inside, tour operating facilities, and get briefings on proposed transit initiatives (like bus rapid transit), MARTA operations, and MARTA governance.

MARTA Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen said in a press release, “The RAC offers a forum for transit stakeholders to share their concerns and opinions, and members serve as an important link to the communities we serve. I encourage transit advocates and critics to apply so together we can ensure customer input is part of the decision-making process.

To learn more about the Riders’ Advisory Council, visit https://itsmarta.com/marta-rac.aspx

The online application is at https://itsmarta.com/rac-form.aspx

You also can pick up a paper application at the Five Points Station information booth or MARTA Headquarters, 2424 Piedmont Rd. NE, Atlanta.