The Federal Transit Administration will launch an investigation into MARTA after two stabbing attacks frightened commuters last month.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Thursday that his agency will look into MARTA's security spending, safety protocols, and risks to riders and workers.
"Every American should be disturbed by the horrific crimes we have seen on MARTA in the last month," Duffy said in a statement. "No one should be forced to fear for their safety simply because they choose to ride public transit."
On May 30, 66-year-old Margaret Sams-Swan died after being stabbed multiple times on a MARTA train at the Oakland City Station. A 25-year-old Decatur man is in custody and faces federal charges related to the killing.
On May 24, a 40-year-old man was stabbed at the Georgia State MARTA station following an altercation. Police are seeking a suspect in that attack.
The transit agency serves more than 500,000 people every weekday across trains, buses, and streetcars. It's likely to come under increased scrutiny when soccer fans descend on the city for World Cup matches starting June 15.
Duffy says MARTA has 15 days to submit data on security including safety funding and action plans. In a statement, MARTA said it welcomes the opportunity to work with the FTA.