Op-Ed: More MARTA Should Mean Less Poverty

Che Watkins, president and CEO of the Center for Working Families, makes the case for transit investments as a key tool for reducing poverty by improving access to jobs.

Watkins pens the opinion piece in context of the ongoing public comment period for the More MARTA plan, which will chart a path for $2.5 billion over the next 40 years generated by the half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2016.

"I truly hope that specific attention has been paid when designing the plan, not just on getting people to their favorite restaurant or concert, but also has an eye towards equity when it comes to underserved communities," writes Watkins. "I hope that the plan considers: Where are the additional jobs that can be accessed and what kinds of jobs are they? Are they in Midtown, Buckhead or Downtown and are higher income jobs or will there be improved access to jobs for entry level and mid-level positions?"