Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan

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.”