The speed of implementation and high cost have some Atlanta officials considering bus rapid transit (BRT).
Atlanta officials are considering a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line that would stretch from downtown into the city's suburbs. "MARTA plans to build a 13-mile BRT line along I-20 from Atlanta’s Five Points Station to Wesley Chapel Road in DeKalb County," David Wickert writes for The Atlanta Journal Constitution.
There's been debate about whether to invest resources in light rail instead, or if residents have appetite for transit extension at all. "Bus rapid transit lines are relatively cheap and can be built much faster than a new rail line," Wickert writes.
Regional Commissioner argues that traffic will eventually persuade residents to spend on transit: "Atlanta Regional Commission Chairman, Kerry Armstrong, said if Atlanta traffic isn’t bad enough yet, it’s getting there." Though, whether or not traffic can be calmed by public transit is itself a point of contention.
FULL STORY: Are fast buses the future of mass transit in Atlanta?
What Is ‘Arterial Rapid Transit?’
Atlanta is planning to build ‘BRT lite,’ a version of bus service that offers signal priority and fewer stops but keeps buses in mixed-traffic lanes.
Atlanta Gaining Two New ‘Arterial Rapid Transit’ Lines
MARTA will begin construction on two new bus lines this year, which will share lanes with other vehicles but use other tools to speed up service.
Atlanta Proposed Rail Line to Become Bus Rapid Transit
MARTA officials argue that bus rapid transit will be faster and more cost-effective than the originally proposed light rail option.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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