BeltLine Rail Now Releases Funding White Paper

DIVERSE FUNDING STRATEGY ACCELERATES RAIL CONSTRUCTION ON the beltline

Atlanta isn't dealing with its affordable housing crisis, severe traffic congestion and population explosion.

It’s time for our city’s elected officials to think BIGGER. And to move forward in an equitable way with one of the most ambitious economic revitalization projects in the country. The best way they can do that is to build transit on the BeltLine.

BeltLine Rail Now just released its blueprint for funding the entire rail portion and accelerating its construction by more than a decade. Our paper also looks at the success stories of comparable cities and touches on how transit does more than improve mobility, reduce traffic and air pollution. BeltLine transit, in particular, would dramatically improve people’s lives by providing better access to jobs, vital services and green spaces.

The BeltLine garners national and international attention because of its potential to deliver truly transformative, far-reaching community benefits with a relatively low investment. However, Atlanta’s progress so far has been limited. Experts point to the absence of transit, which would spark significant transit-oriented development, bring in more affordable housing and reduce dependency on cars.

The city says the main reason for the delay is funding. The planned 22-mile transit component will feature light rail in a dedicated corridor, and would significantly boost the effectiveness of existing MARTA at a fraction of the cost. Remarkably, it would connect 45 Atlanta neighborhoods with a transit loop.

We hope our blueprint sparks renewed interest in clearing the way for progress. Atlanta wants a COMPLETE BeltLine – and that means transit alongside the cycling/walking trail and parks, as originally intended. Not maybe. Not someday. Now.