Despite Costs, Light Rail Chosen For Atlanta's Beltline

"Although light rail would involve the highest capital costs, about $50 to $58 million more than streetcars, according to the study, MARTA found 'reasonable consensus' that a rail technology following the B3 route should be the Locally Preferred Alternative."

The choice to go with light rail will definitely cost Atlanta taxpayers, as installing rail transit was estimated to cost $270 to $300 million more than a bus rapid transit system. But many of the residents in favor of light rail would rather pay the higher price than ride on buses.

"A presentation on Dec. 11 said BRT had less impact on economic development and lower capacity than rail technologies. Streetcars had higher capital costs and significant visual impact but had high public acceptance, higher capacity than BRT and greater ability to trigger or sustain economic development. Light rail was found to have high public acceptance, the highest capacity, the greatest capability to enhance the urban environment and to trigger or sustain economic development."