MARTA offers free bus rides to say goodbye to Jimmy Carter
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Those who wish to pay their respects to former President Jimmy Carter as his body lies in repose at The Carter Center will have to take MARTA, the transportation authority said.
From 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, MARTA will provide free bus rides to The Carter Center from the King Memorial Station. MARTA said, aside from biking or walking, it is the only way to get to the center during the repose.
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Bus shuttles will depart from the station every five minutes around the clock. ADA-compliant mobility services will run every 15-20 minutes, and those customers will have to call the office for a reservation, MARTA said.
“MARTA s the country in mourning the loss of our longest living president and Georgia’s native son,” MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood said in a statement. “President Carter led a life of service, and his dedication to human and civil rights changed us for the better. MARTA is especially grateful for his leadership in bringing public transportation plans to fruition in metro Atlanta, and we are proud to help pay tribute to him.
The King Memorial Station has no parking, so the public must pay for a ride to the station before taking the shuttle. MARTA also said local bus routes out of the station will be temporarily rerouted.
Carter Center to welcome crowds for viewing of late president
The Carter Center is preparing to welcome possibly thousands of people who want to say their last goodbyes and pay their final respects to the 39th president.
No backpacks, bags, purses, clutches or camera bags are allowed on the buses or at The Carter Center.
“Please expect to wait for prolonged periods of time,” MARTA said. “There will be many mourners, given the deep ties the President maintained in our state and the warmth with which he was regarded.”
After being in hospice care for almost two years, Carter died at 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, on Sunday.
After lying in repose at The Carter Center, Carter’s remains will be flown to the U.S. Capitol, where he will lie in state. Then on Jan. 9, his body will return to Plains for burial.
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