MARTA has seen a large increase in ridership since the collapse of a portion of I-85 in Buckhead due to a fire.

While crews work to restore the road by a June 15 deadline, MARTA is reaching a whole new base of customers. Many of them are having trouble finding a place to park as lots around the train stations fill up.

MARTA recently announced plans to add 1,200 parking spaces to meet the growing need for space at its stations.

As of Monday, April 10, there is more space available at the Chamblee, King Memorial, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, Kensington and East Point MARTA stations.

The spaces are allocated as follows:

– Chamblee – 75 additional parking spaces

– King Memorial – 400 additional parking spaces

– Brookhaven/Oglethorpe – 175 additional parking spaces

– Kensington – 385 additional parking spaces

– East Point – 168 additional parking spaces

The Transit Authority also has increased police presence around the stations.

“The Authority continues to work with businesses and organizations with parking lot availability to further expand capacity to stations throughout the system,” MARTA said in a press release. “MARTA strongly encourages riders to take advantage of ride sharing services, carpool or use designated Kiss/Ride lanes. MARTA buses offer free transfers at rail stations and every vehicle is equipped with a bicycle rack.”

MARTA released a list of lots and decks with under-utilized parking:

– Lenox Station Garage

– Lindbergh Center: Garson and City Center Decks

– Lakewood/Ft. McPherson Station: East Lots

– Park and ride lots: Barge Road, Mansell Road, South Fulton (Union City) and Windward Parkway

Other modes of transit are experiencing renewed interest in the wake of the I-85 disaster. The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is offering classes to help people “hack” their commute.

To help alleviate pressure on the city’s roads, Mayor Kasim Reed signed an executive order suspending all routine roadwork in the city during the rebuilding of the burned-out section of I-85.

According to a press release from the city, “The order suspends work between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, throughout the Impact Mitigation Corridor, which extends from downtown Atlanta to the northern city limits, east to Moreland Avenue and west to US-41/Northside Drive. The City will not accept any new construction permits before April 17, 2017, to further mitigate the impact of construction activity on traffic congestion.”