If actual "safety" is a concern, you are at far greater risk of being injured in a cab on Atlanta's roads and freeways than you are on MARTA.

Though I don't doubt that hoosierdaddy's experience was pretty uncomfortable. But then again, I've been in some pretty uncomfortable Atlanta cabs too.

On the MARTA trains,you are ok,even late at night.It's the sidewalks to the Garages,and Garages where you need to be careful,esp late @night 10p and later.If you're a single attractive woman,don't ride MARTA after 10p.And that is probably good advice on all subways,light rail systems,ect.

"If you're a single attractive woman,don't ride MARTA after 10p.And that is probably good advice on all subways,light rail systems,ect."

She's going to Buckhead, for heaven's sake. Her biggest danger will be dodging Volvos and Jaguars.

There is no reason that anyone--a single, attractive woman or not--should be discouraged from taking subways, light rail systems, etc after 10pm.

Hi all--Wanted to follow up. We were fine. Our plane was delayed, so by the time we got on the MARTA, we certainly had to make the switch at Lindbergh station. The switch was nothing--just step off and wait for the train to North Springs--but the station WAS dark. Luckily, the trains come so frequently and their approaching time was displayed so clearly that we were fine. Waiting for our hotel shuttle outstide at the Buckhead Marta felt odd at first--some homeless people sleeping in odd corners and so on--but we noted tons of security.

I certainly felt safe on the cars, even if we were not in its rider racial majority. But then again, we always take mass transit in NY and anywhere overseas, so I'd say our level of expectation and comfort was probably equal to the moment--we generally never feel we have to be a racial majority for our comfort level (we're sort of from the sticks but kinda used to reading our surroundings).

So, all in all, good experience. I haven't been through the airport in so long and really like it now. I thought the MARTA was VERY well marked and our experience was excellent!!! I thank all of you who worried, both pro and con, about my position as a mother of a teen.

I'm glad to hear you had a good trip.