A new rapid bus line in Atlanta will link residents to one of the nation’s busiest airports.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)’s newest rapid bus line will link to the city’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s Domestic Terminal, providing a key connection to thousands of airport workers and travelers.
Josh Green explains the change in plans in Urbanize Atlanta, noting that “Previously, plans called for the 15-mile BRT route to snake up through Clayton County and a corner of Fulton County before ending at MARTA’s College Park transit station.” New plans call for linking Southlake Mall to the airport. The buses will run on a mix of dedicated and mixed-use lanes. “In between will be what MARTA calls “rail-like stations”—with seating, digital signage, and off-board fare payment—at key stops such as Southern Regional Medical Center, the Shops of Riverdale, and the Riverdale Mobility Center.”
MARTA plans to submit an application for federal grants to help fund the project, which could be completed in 2030.
FULL STORY: MARTA switches plans, opts for direct rapid bus route to ATL airport
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.
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.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie