"We Deserve More Transit Options"

ADDING TO OUR LIGHT RAIL IN ATLANTA

By Brian Sumlin

As a frequent transit user (at least more than three times a week), I think that Atlanta is long overdue on the next phase of delivering traffic solutions. Having light rail should be one of these accomplishments. We voted for it, and we expect to start seeing it delivered. 

It would be nice to be able to experience the light rail effect and how it will set our region on the trajectory to a healthier transit system and community. Atlanta deserves this. I visited other cities - Hampton Roads, VA with their newly light rail system (8 years young), the Charlotte, NC Light rail system (6 years old), and up north to Philadelphia PA (an example of a mature light rail system) - and systems like these define the sleekness and convenience of commuting in a healthy transit community and neighborhood. Atlanta deserves more of the light rail effect and I hope and pray that it gets delivered earlier than the times currently proposed right now. 

Those who voted yes on the ½ penny sales tax like I did must express that we pay taxes towards transit, and we expect the project to be delivered earlier than the times proposed - and will hold our elected officials accountable if light rail is not delivered soon. I pray that the proposed 2021 infrastructure legislation circulating through Congress gets approved and signed into law, and that Atlanta can take advantage and our elected officials advocate for what was voted for by the people. They must understand that we deserve more transit options, and the people here have already voted for the footprint of the new transit model to include light rail, in the 1/2 penny sales tax that was voted on back in 2016. Thank you.

Brian Sumlin is an Atlanta native and a 6-year legacy homeowner in Southwest Atlanta. He has a bachelor’s degree in Engineering technology, and served in the US Navy.