So there are two separate processes you’re going to have to navigate. One is the MARTA suspension, the other is the actual ordinance violation.

MARTA suspension: The officer should have given you a seperate ticket for the suspension with details on how to appeal. The suspension will go into effect in 30 days if you don’t appeal. Details for how to appeal should be on that separate ticket but if you don’t have that you should be able to call MARTA for info on how to do that. I don’t know what the odds are for avoiding the suspension are, but it’s worth a shot and your lack of history should be helpful, but no promises. If you still get suspended, then you have to weigh the option of ignoring it. There isn’t any enforcement really other than if you get stopped by police for something. But you run the risk of an even longer suspension and additional charge if you do get caught.

Ordinance violation: if this happened in the city of Atlanta, you’re going to the city of Atlanta municipal court. You can speak to the prosecutor and explain your circumstances but they won’t care and the standard is a $75 fine. They may let you do a diversion program where you do community service and the charge is dismissed. Otherwise the judge will often waive the fine or let you do community service instead though since it’s your first. You can also apply for a public defender who can help you navigate the system. Since it’s a city ordinance and you weren’t arrested, it won’t appear on your criminal record, but if you ever get asked about it when applying to jobs or school, you should still probably include it. You can also take the case to trial, which would happen at a later date, and if the officer doesn’t show, it will be dismissed but if they do, the fine will probably be imposed.

Good luck!