Despite falling ridership numbers on the region's public transit system (bucking the nationwide trend), the Georgia Department of Transportation is studying options for building a multi-modal transit hub in downtown Atlanta.
Ariel Hart discusses the findings of "a preliminary report considering three designs for a passenger terminal and real estate development proposed for the 'Gulch' area of downtown Atlanta."
"The state has not yet committed to funding the project," she adds, "no matter what design is chosen. A financial feasibility report is expected this summer. Backers hope real estate development around or above the terminal could generate profits to help pay for the terminal."
With the state holding off on making its recommendation on the complex until the end of the year, officials will have plenty of time to consider the implications of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's (MARTA) declining ridership.
"Unlike most public transit systems in the United States, last year, MARTA continued a downward spiral in declining ridership at a time when that trend should be turning around: the economy is improving; the younger Millennials favor transit more than older Baby Boomers or Gen Xers; gas prices remain high," writes Steve Visser.
"MARTA calculates its buses and trains carry 123,400 people daily to jobs, school and shopping, but since 2001 that ridership has fallen by about 15 percent on trains and 31 percent on buses, according to reports from the American Public Transit Association."
FULL STORY: Transit hub could stretch from park to Five Points
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The city’s Beltline will gain a new connection to heavy rail.
Atlanta’s Five Points Station Overhaul Enters Public Review Phase
The project is part of MARTA’s effort to support more transit-oriented development in downtown Atlanta.
New TOD Breaks Ground in Atlanta Area
The project will include over 500 housing units, commercial and retail space, and park spaces.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
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Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
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City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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