Atlanta Transit Updates

A few milestones that keep March 2015 busy for transit in Atlanta.

• Atlanta Regional Commission continues growth survey

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) continues surveying the needs of its population and the future. There are a few days left to take the latest survey about preparing for rapid change, and innovation, including anticipating future transportation and energy needs. The first survey sent in Summer 2014 was about capturing the preferences of future Atlanta population.

• MARTA starts service to Clayton County

In its first jurisdictional expansion since it started operating over 35 years ago, MARTA just began bus service in Clayton County on March 21. An inaugural celebration took place on March 14.
A group led by Friends of Clayton Transit rode the first bus out to Clayton on March 21 at 6:15am. (I didn't participate in that group.) Congratulations to Clayton County for returning on the Atlanta transit map!

• Renew Atlanta Bond Referendum passes, project list to be finalized

Atlanta residents passed a $250 million bond proposal to modernize infrastructure: roads, bridges, and possible improvements for bikes and pedestrians. Details about what is involved in this post.

• Atlanta Streetcar to begin paid fare soon

The Atlanta Streetcar started operations on December 30, 2014. MARTA operates it on behalf of City of Atlanta, so the streetcar is not really part of the branded MARTA system. The three-month free ride period is now almost over, and a one-way ride will cost $1 with no transfers (see all fares here). (The date when fares take effect has not been announced yet - I will write a separate post when that happens).

• Georgia Legislature considering transportation bill

There is a transportation bill, HB106, being considered by the Georgia Legislature. It is being written and rewritten with several ground-breaking provisions that, if passed with the intended spirit:

• Would repeal the 50/50 MARTA budget restriction
• Would eliminate the $5000 electric vehicle tax credit
• Would institute a user-fee (aka tax?) for motor vehicle registration, with perhaps a higher fee for electric motor vehicles
• Would allow counties to team up and hold joint referendums to raise sales taxes for "regional" transportation projects