As Projected Beltline Costs Rise, Atlanta Considers Other Options

MARTA's light rail project could cost more than twice original estimates, prompting the agency to weigh different routes and the potential for bus rapid transit as an alternative to rail.

2 minute read

March 2, 2022, 5:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Mural

The Atlanta Beltline, a former rail corridor turned multi-use trail. | Max Pixel

An engineering study released by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) reveals that the cost estimate for a proposed 3-mile rail segment could cost more than twice the original estimate, reports David Wickert for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "The cost of building 3 miles of rail from Ponce City Market to MARTA’s Lindbergh station on the northeast side of Atlanta would cost an estimated $286.5 million to $448.2 million, depending on the route," writes Wickert, summarizing the study's findings.

"The study found several feasible routes for light rail north and south of the market. But the cost estimates may make light rail on the Beltline too expensive to compete successfully for crucial federal funding, said Manjeet Ranu, MARTA’s chief of capital programs."

Rail on Campbellton Road is already in doubt. Earlier this month, MARTA announced it would recommend bus rapid transit for the Campbellton corridor, citing its relatively low cost and quick construction timetable. The proposal has sparked a backlash from some southwest Atlanta residents, who say they were promised rail.

"In an interview, MARTA’s Ranu said the higher costs are a function of more detailed information obtained in the latest study, including the cost of specific bridges, buildings and other facilities," writes Wickert.

MARTA plans on studying the potential light rail route, and its alternative alignments, over the next two years. The MARTA board and Atlanta elected officials will make the final decision about whether to build the light rail route or instead choose another form of public transit, such as bus rapid transit.

The article includes details of the progress on the More MARTA plan, which calls for $2.7 billion in transit investments funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2016. Planetizen reported in 2018 that MARTA had rearranged some of the project funding approved for the plan.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 in Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Man in teal shirt opening door to white microtransit shuttle with cactus graphics and making inviting gesture toward the camera.

Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps

New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.

June 13 - U.S. Department Of Transportation

Group of people at table set ouf with picnic food on street during a neighborhood block party.

This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors

A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.

June 13 - The Kansas City Star

Crowd gathered with protest signs on April 5, 2025 on steps of Minnesota state capitol protesting Trump cuts to social security and other federal programs.

Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us

Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.

June 13 - Shelterforce Magazine