Shakeup at MARTA is an opportunity for more and better transit
It’s been quite a week in the world of Atlanta transit – $7.4 million (additional source) to fix a problem with the Atlanta Streetcar and a shakeup on the MARTA Board.
The MARTA Board, is about to get three new politically-appointed members and has a rare opportunity to hit the “reset button” with the transit decisions, priorities and accountability it controls. With this change, we urge the MARTA Board to do a better job supporting the Atlanta mayor’s commitment to a more equitable and connected Atlanta and his oft- stated transit priorities.
“Transit on the Atlanta Beltline advances equity by laying a more equitable and sustainable foundation for a future Atlanta – a city much larger than the one we see today. This future is fueled by powerful economic forces of change, but the Atlanta Beltline – especially its transit component – will help the city manage that change so that it benefits existing residents and businesses. If we also follow through on policies and investments for other equity goals like affordable housing, economic opportunity, and workforce development, Atlanta can be a model city of the future. We can catalyze new ways of thinking and set new expectations for project delivery that reach beyond transit to define success by a wide range of equity goals.”
– Ryan Gravel (2018)
Hundreds of cities around the world use streetcars and light rail (LRT) as either the backbone of their transit system or to connect with other modes - buses and/or heavy rail. Why? Because they’re so financially attractive. Many U.S. cities – Los Angeles, Phoenix and Charlotte - are in the process of building more. The ongoing operating and maintenance costs for LRT are less expensive. And, yes, that includes bus fleets. Streetcars are also one of the most reliable high-capacity options. So, it came as no surprise the More MARTA 2040 project list approved in 2018 included building three LRT lines – Campbellton Road, Emory Clifton Corridor and the Atlanta BeltLine.
Phoenix Streetcar
The new Board can also address how it is responding to a changed economy and the planning of projects several years after they were cost estimated. As inflation has driven prices up, MARTA’s response has been to scale way, way back – chipping away at its own plans for improving transit and quality of life throughout Atlanta. Lost in the debate over rising costs is how to enlarge the funding pie with other local match sources than the More MARTA sales tax.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Before going along with dismantling Atlanta’s plans, the MARTA Board needs to think long and hard about the long-term consequences. That’s especially true when it comes to this city’s faltering BeltLine transit and equity expectations.
Transit experts have repeatedly confirmed streetcar/light rail to be the best mode for the BeltLine (link to 2019 study). So in light of this week’s developments, BRN is hoping the MARTA Board and City of Atlanta are asking:
1. Are we sure the repair estimate isn’t covered by the manufacturer’s warranty? and
2. Does it make more sense to spend that to fix the four S-70 Siemens vehicles, or should Atlanta’s fleet feature a different model -- one that’s even better.
Should Atlanta focus on connecting BeltLine transit with MARTA heavy rail or is it determined to connect streetcars onto grass-embedded tracks alongside the BeltLine?
Given the profound impact delayed or denied transit is already having, it is our hope that the honor of serving on the MARTA Board be reserved for those who bring a demonstrable higher-level of understanding and/or professional experience.
Atlanta is counting on its transit agency to succeed. And that requires a willingness to learn the right lessons from past mistakes. There’s never been a better time to redouble and accelerate our efforts to build the Atlanta we aspire to be.
To learn more, watch the MARTA Board meeting from December 8th here.
