Atlanta Streetcar

A rendering of the Beltline Streetcar running on a grassy field (with rail tracks) next to a walking and biking path.

Atlanta Streetcar Expansion Still Moving Forward

MARTA has drastically reduced its plans to construct new rail transit, but one project still has political support from the top at City Hall.

April 24, 2023 - SaportaReport

MARTA Station

MARTA Scales Back Expansion Plans

Atlanta’s transit agency is slowing its plans to extend its bus and rail lines, prompting criticism from city officials.

March 13, 2023 - Saporta Report

People biking and rollerblading on Atlanta BeltLine trail

What Should Transit on the BeltLine Look Like?

Supporters of a proposed streetcar extension argue that Atlanta’s popular BeltLine corridor was always meant to include transit, making it more than just a recreational area.

February 7, 2023 - Urbanize Atlanta

Atlanta streetcar

Expansion Planned for Atlanta Streetcar

A proposed expansion of Atlanta's beleaguered downtown streetcar could turn the 'novelty' line into a truly useful transportation option in the car-centric city.

December 22, 2021 - Urbanize Atlanta

Atlanta streetcar

MARTA Could Make the Atlanta Streetcar Free Again

They say if you love something, you should set it free.

June 6, 2018 - The Atlanta-Journal Constitution

Public Art and Public Space

Op-Ed: To Meet BeltLine's Affordable Housing Goals, Cut the Streetcar Plans

According to one argument, the importance of developing affordable housing is a higher priority for the Atlanta BeltLine than a streetcar. It's a question of scarce funding, and how to spend it to the greatest public benefit.

February 28, 2018 - SaportaReport

Atlanta streetcar

State Threatens Shutdown of Atlanta Streetcar

The commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation warned Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and MARTA CEO Keith Parker that unless corrective actions are not taken in many areas, e.g., maintenance, safety, he will shut down streetcar service.

June 2, 2016 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Critical Review of the Atlanta Streetcar Planning Process

The first phase of the Atlanta Streetcar is open to the public, though the city has big plans to extend the line. One planning academic hopes to redirect the planning process.

April 11, 2016 - SaportaReport

Atlanta BeltLine

On Atlanta's BeltLine and 21st-Century Infrastructure

In an interview, Atlanta BeltLine visionary Ryan Gravel discusses the ongoing project and how it fits an emerging, multidisciplinary understanding of what good infrastructure can be.

March 24, 2016 - Streetsblog USA

Atlanta's State Senator Would Turn Streetcar Keys Over to MARTA

A local Democrat is not happy with the performance of the city in operating the Atlanta Streetcar.

January 28, 2016 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta streetcar

Atlanta's Nascent Streetcar Systems Begins Charging, Critics Pounce

After a stumbling start getting off the ground, proponents of Atlanta's new streetcar see hope in its future while others question further investment.

January 10, 2016 - New York Times

A bus next to the re-located light rail station at Denver's Union Station

Trains Are Always Better than Buses, Right?

Josh Barro provide examples galore of why the answer to that question isn't always yes—where costly rail investment has been to the detriment of existing transit. His column targets proposed projects, such as New York's LaGuardia Airport AirTrain.

February 11, 2015 - New York Times - The Upshot

Collisions Trouble Atlanta Streetcar Testing

Some would argue that introducing streetcars to auto-oriented streets is a recipe for collisions. Drivers in Atlanta are already having trouble mixing with streetcars, before the system even launches.

November 25, 2014 - Atlanta Business Chronicle

Can Atlanta's BeltLine Achieve its Potential?

The Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine is immensely popular. With funding still in question and construction behind schedule on some of the transit that would integrate with the BeltLine, one writer re-examines the trail's vast potential.

May 8, 2014 - Atlantic Cities

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