Roswell developer creates user-friendly 'SMARTA' MARTA app for commuters

ROSWELL, Ga. - Frustrated with the official MARTA app, Roswell developer Chad Etzel decided to create his own solution, ultimately developing the "SMARTA" app. The app has since caught the attention of the public transit agency, which acknowledges the need for improvement.

"I can't find the information I'm looking for. The app looks like it was made in 2012, or something, and hasn't been updated," Etzel explained. "I thought, well, if I can find a data API for MARTA information, I'm going to take a crack at making an app."

The result was the SMARTA app, which offers a more modern and user-friendly experience. It provides schedules, maps, and real-time arrivals and departures, making it easier for commuters to navigate the transit system.

"I wanted it to look and feel more modern and clean and, like, easy, fast," Etzel said.

Since its launch, the SMARTA app has been downloaded over 1,600 times in about 90 days, with positive feedback from users.

MARTA is aware of the app and encourages the use of their open-source data. They also acknowledge the shortcomings of their current app and are seeking proposals from vendors to develop a new one.

Etzel is pleased with the response and plans to collaborate with MARTA.

"Something that brings me joy as a software developer is to put something out into the world and actually have it make a positive effect in people's lives," he said.

Etzel, a Georgia Tech graduate, is dedicated to making MARTA a little "smarter" for its commuters.