Riding New Atlanta's Streetcar for a Week: a Commuter's Diary

The debate about the effectiveness of streetcars as an alternative form of transportation (rather than just a driver of property values) isn't going anywhere. The latest test case for the ongoing experiment: Atlanta.

1 minute read

January 21, 2015, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Rebecca Burns asks one of urbanism's burning questions: "Is the streetcar a practical option for people who live and work within walking distance of its 12 stops?" The streetcar in question is Atlanta's—opened earlier this year to much fanfare and debate regarding the merits of streetcars as a transit system.

Burns begins by acknowledging the benefits of the system to out-of-town tourists and "local tourists" alike, before embarking on a daily journal of a commute between home and office in the early days of the streetcar's operation. For the record, Burns says the commute can be done at a brisk walk in 35 minutes or anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes in a car.

The diary recounts such vital statistics as how many other commuters are on the streetcar, how many tweets she posted while onboard, and how many minutes the trip took. The diary totals a week of trips, a number of frustrating episodes as well as some pleasant moments, and an ambivalent conclusion about the possibility that the streetcar is a suitable alternative for commuters.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 in Atlanta

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

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

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.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

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.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

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?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

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.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

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.

July 11 - Cities Today