Torrential rain delays MARTA trains, buses on Christmas Eve

ajc.com

Credit: Andria Brooks

Credit: Andria Brooks

Heavy rains and flooding have put the brakes on MARTA service this Christmas Eve.

At midday, the transit agency warned customers to expect delays on all rail lines and with bus service due to the torrential rains and pooling water on streets.

There was no service between Five Points and Oakland City, instead passengers were being transported by bus between the two stations.

MARTA spokeswoman Saba Long said that work crews were pumping water off the tracks between the two stations, which are underground and have a level of standing water that makes it unsafe to operate. The "bus bridge" will remain in effect until it's safe to resume service.

Electrical issues caused by lightning was also impacting train service near Indian Creek station on Thursday.

Long said that normal operations should resume sometime later in the afternoon.

"I don't think they anticipate this is going to continue past today," Long said. "I don't think it will be a remaining issue for the rest of the week, but it's just for the time being."