When MARTA was started in 1971, it was only a series of bus routes. Although part of MARTA's overall master plan, rail service wouldn't begin until 1979. Until then, Atlantans who wished to avoid long commutes flocked to the revamped metropolitan area bus service. (And yes, the commutes in the '70s were long, too. Some things never change.) The photos in this gallery were all taken in 1974.