DECATUR, Ga. — Dozens of MARTA bus drivers, friends, and family gathered Sunday outside the MARTA bus stop in Decatur to honor 47-year-old Leroy Ramos, who lost his life on Friday over a $2.50 fare.
The crowd released balloons into the sky as they shouted Leroy’s name. Members of the local chapter of the Amalgamated Transit Union, which Ramos was a part of, shared their concerns about current MARTA safety measures.
“We should never have to think about whether we’re going to make it home to our families,” union member and MARTA bus driver Shayanna Moore told Channel 2′s Brittany Kleinpeter.
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Ramos’ family also attended Sunday’s vigil including his 7-year-old son, and his wife, Monique Ramos.
“We want MARTA to know that we are going to stand united as a family for him,” Monique said.
The newlywed described her husband as a giver, who would’ve helped anyone in need, “If they didn’t have fare, he would’ve given it to them.”
It’s been two days since Ramos was shot multiple times following an argument with three people over a bus fare.
They say the shooting happened Friday at the bus station in Decatur. Two of the three people involved have been arrested. A rider was also hit by a bullet during the incident, but at last check was okay.
Britt Dunams, the President of ATU Local 732, said their union is asking leaders for protective barriers to separate drivers and passengers, de-escalation training, as well as restrictions when it comes to bringing weapons on board buses.
“Tell MARTA. Tell these elected officials. Enough is enough,” Dunams shouted into the crowd Sunday.
Dunams, alongside Ramos’ wife, said they plan to attend MARTA’s board meeting on Thursday where they hope to bring up their concerns.
“We’re not going to stop. This is just the beginning,” Monique Ramos said.
As of late Sunday, MARTA Police say they are still searching for the third suspect involved in Ramos’ death.
A MARTA spokesperson released the following statement in response to the union’s concerns late Sunday:
“MARTA has a strict de-escalation policy designed to protect operators from violence that includes not engaging with customers beyond the scope of their position as bus operator and leaving enforcement of rules to MARTA Police.
Unfortunately, there has been an uptick in violence toward transit operators nationwide, an alarming trend that began during COVID when we saw a deterioration of societal behavior. Our frontline workers are the backbone of this organization and MARTA leadership and police will continue working with ATU Local 732 to protect and support our operators to ensure they feel safe on the job and well-trained to react in escalating situations.”
The family shared a GoFundMe campaign set up to help with funeral costs.
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