Image courtesy of MARTA.

The Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) moved over half a million customers during the three-day Super Bowl weekend.

Saturday was MARTA’s busiest travel day in decades, with an estimated 270,000 rail riders, according to MARTA materials. This is more than double the number seen on a typical Saturday.

For the most part, trains ran a 24-hour-a-day schedule for 3 straight days without any problems or interruptions. David Springstead, MARTA’s chief of rail operations said in a statement this shows the preparedness of the transit authority as well as the commitment of its employees.

“We had two minor issues, one involving a trespasser near the tracks and another caused by a small fire on adjacent CSX property, where we implemented our contingency plans and minimized the service impact to our customers,” Springstead said in a statement. “On Sunday, the MARTA team worked quickly and efficiently to clear large crowds within 90 minutes of the end of the game.”

On the day of the Super Bowl, 155,000 customers took to the rail lines to enjoy the numerous activities downtown and see the game. According to MARTA materials, riders were greeted by more than 600 transit ambassadors working the authority’s 38 rail stations. These re-deployed administrative employees worked over a combined total of 3,000 hours during the ten-day operational period to help residents and visitors alike enjoy the celebration.

“I am proud of how Team MARTA handled these record crowds,” Jeffery Parker, MARTA’s general manager and CEO said in a statement. “We set a new standard in service this weekend and we want to maintain that as we move forward as an organization.”