Downtown Atlanta Association Calls for Changes to Proposed BRT Line

The group expressed concerns with changes made to a key segment, which leaves riders with fewer connections to existing transit and does not position the line for future growth.

2 minute read

October 27, 2021, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


MARTA Bus

Kristain Baty / Shutterstock

In an open letter to the city, the Atlanta Downtown Neighborhood Association (ADNA) is calling for a change in approach to Atlanta's first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line to prevent wasteful spending. "The ADNA’s preferred route would more swiftly move passengers around the city, connect to existing MARTA rail, and position the BRT system for future growth, they feel."

The letter, published in Urbanize Atlanta, claims that the "Locally Preferred Alternative" route proposed for a section of the BRT line downtown is not what locals want. "Crucially, this new route has three large sections in downtown where it will have to operate in 'shared' traffic lanes in contradiction of BRT standards, slowing service and reducing ridership during peak times" and makes no accommodations for future expansion.

The Association argues that "[w]hen this change to the route’s downtown section was made in 2019, little outreach was done to key stakeholders, such as the Atlanta Downtown Neighborhood Association (ADNA) and the approximately 14,500 (and rapidly growing) downtown residents most directly impacted." The letter also claims that residents were misled about the new route, which "dumps riders in the middle of South Downtown without direct connection to any current or planned rail."

"This current 'western' BRT route also jeopardizes existing plans to bring cycle tracks, wider sidewalks, and outdoor dining to downtown streets as well as upending partially funded plans to restore two-way traffic flow planned along these corridors." With 60 percent of the design completed to date, the letter urges the city "to get this done right and avoid wasting money later in the process."

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 in Urbanize Atlanta

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight