ATLANTA’s TRANSIT SYSTEM CONNECTS MUCH MORE THAN JUST NEIGHBORHOODS.

By Jeremy Wilhelm

I first began riding transit in Atlanta in 1994, commuting from North Springs to GSU. I’d heard lots of chatter about it being ‘unsafe,’ but save for one minor incident, I only really ever saw people looking out for each other.

Fifteen years ago, my girlfriend and I decided to move from Monroe Ave near Grady to The Ponce near North Ave MARTA. She worked in Buckhead and being near the train was a big plus. One of my favorite memories of those days are the mornings where I would ride the train up with her, get breakfast together, and ride home to start my day before heading to work in the restaurant business.

Twelve years ago, after marriage and grad school, we moved to Grant Park. Our criteria was once again that we needed a short walk to the train. We were about to start a family, and I remember fondly the bond with the old ladies on our routine who would tell my wife she was carrying a boy, no doubt. They were right.

After our first son was born, I would ride up with him to drop him off with Oma for daycare now and then. I’ll always remember fondly how much people enjoyed my infant and me commuting together. The courtesy and help came from all around.

Transit is community to me. It ties us together. Makes us more resilient. Improves our lives in ways we can’t really measure. I want Atlanta to have a transit system that does that for all of the citizens who want it. That means multiple connections to many more places. And the Atlanta Beltline has to be a part of that."

Jeremy Wilhelm has lived in metro Atlanta since 1993 and in the City since 2004. He is an enthusiastic supporter of anything that makes the city more livable for people of all ages.

The A ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR SEC. PETE

streetcar EXTENSION SURVEY ENDS JUNE 30

Atlanta’s elected officials lined up to greet US DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg a few weeks ago. Don’t miss our video synopsis of the wrap-up presser, featuring rail on the BeltLine, its many benefits, and its shovel-ready status. It’s here

Have you given your feedback to MARTA regarding the Streetcar East Extension? In last week’s blog, we detailed our thoughts on the first piece of rail on the BeltLine - as well as to fix the existing streetcar. Click here to read it.