Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan

City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.

1 minute read

March 14, 2025, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Blue Atlanta streetcar on street in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

Marcus Jones / Adobe Stock

The city of Atlanta is committing to building rail along the Beltline, but “not in the form that has been previously discussed,” reports Delaney Tarr in Saporta Report.

Shifting away from a previous proposal to extend the downtown streetcar to the Eastside trail, the streetcar extension will go to the Beltline but not continue on it. “The mayor thinks the South side, lacking in existing rail, is better equipped to handle the massive construction projects. He said light rail will link with other planned transit projects like the Murphy Crossing MARTA infill station.”

The city’s goal is to build on the 15-minute city concept by leveraging the Beltline's natural advantages to create more and faster transit connections. But some transit advocates say the long-term plans should be complemented by short-term transit enhancements. According to the group Beltline Rail Now, “the Streetcar East Extension is the only More MARTA project that can be completed in this decade,” with the group’s chair calling light rail “the proven, scalable solution for urban transit.”

Thursday, March 13, 2025 in Saporta Report

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

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.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

3 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

4 hours ago - Newsweek

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.