Atlanta has a strategic opportunity to embrace Downtown revitalization efforts by fueling new and improved transit service. In conversations with about a dozen business and civic leaders, it has become obvious that our city is at a pivotal juncture when it comes to Downtown and transit. First, stars are aligned to bring new life to […]
Tag: BeltLine Rail Now
Posted inLatest News
Doug Shipman: ‘Rail is the only viable solution’ for Atlanta Beltline
Four Atlanta City Council leaders speak out in favor of Beltline rail.
Posted inMaria's Metro
Time and time again, Atlantans have spoken: Build BeltLine rail
It’s so frustrating to keep revisiting the issue of whether to build rail on the BeltLine after years of repeated voter and citizen support for the concept.
Posted inColumns, Maria's Metro
Celebrating MARTA’s vote to advance the Streetcar along the BeltLine
At long last! The MARTA board voted to advance the eastern extension of the Atlanta Streetcar to Ponce City Market at its meeting on April 13 – a move that was significant on multiple levels.
Posted inLatest News
New MARTA deputy general manager leaves in surprise move
MARTA Deputy General Manager Josh Rowan has abruptly left the transit agency without explanation only five months after his high-profile hiring.
Posted inColumns, John Ruch
Is Streetcar extension just the start of BeltLine rail, or also its end?
The Atlanta Streetcar extension onto the Eastside Atlanta BeltLine is moving toward a final design phase with no clear answer to its oldest question: What the heck is this transit service for, exactly?
Posted inColumns, Maria's Metro
Atlanta leaders committed to fulfilling promise of rail on the BeltLine
Key Atlanta leaders remain fully committed to building rail on the Atlanta BeltLine.
Posted inLatest News
Advocacy groups to hold Atlanta city election forums on housing, transportation issues
By John Ruch A coalition of housing and transportation advocacy organizations is holding a series of Atlanta city election candidate forums, kicking off Aug. 26. Dubbed “What’s Your Plan?,” the series is supported by organizations that support new City zoning rules that would allow more dense and affordable housing in more places, and to speed […]
Posted inLatest News
Streetcar extension to BeltLine draws excitement, but concerns on pace and equity
MARTA’s new momentum toward extending the Atlanta Streetcar onto the Atlanta BeltLine by 2027 is “historic” but still too slow, some transit advocates say, and an example of how new federal funding can spur projects while raising questions of equity in which get money first. Meanwhile, MARTA has revealed key information about the project not […]
Posted inColumns
A matter of trust, equity: ARC weighs fate of Atlanta BeltLine rail as deadline looms
By Guest Columnist FRED O. SMITH JR., a founding member of BeltLine Rail Now
Trust is a strange thing. It is easy to lose. And once lost, it is difficult to regain. When it comes to transit in this city, an imminent decision by the Atlanta Regional Commission and MARTA officials will help determine whether they retain the citizens’ trust, or squander it. If it is squandered, this could negatively impact transportation in this city for generations. The draft of the 2020 Atlanta Region’s Plan Regional Transportation Plan is in its final public comment phase at the Atlanta Regional Commission, and it will not be revised again for another four years.
