Before we talk about cuts, Atlanta really needs to see our mayor, city council, and transit officials prove they're fighting for More MARTA too.

You probably still have a few unanswered questions about how MARTA is choosing to spend the More MARTA Atlanta ½-cent sales tax.

The origin story of the Atlanta Beltline is well known … the people of Atlanta fell in love with a vision that was better than what they saw through their car windshields, we pulled together, did the hard work, and brought this big, shared vision to life.

Guest blog by André Cross. “There seems to be a clear distinction in many locals' minds between MARTA (the train) and MARTA (the bus), as well as a stigma that transit is something for the poor or those without a car.”

Both candidates for the Mayoral runoff have indicated strong support for light rail on the BeltLine. How to choose? With two great choices on the runoff ballot, BRN went to the community to find supporters of each candidate to understand their choice for mayor.

Those who live, work, and play here in Atlanta are seeing candidates who are advocates, even champions, for BeltLine rail, and we at BRN see the potential that in the next four years, there will be a significant start on this project. This is a real victory in the making and your vote on Nov 30 will help to deliver it.

Atlanta has a plan to free us from our complete dependence on cars. What Atlanta really needs from us is to elect leaders on Nov. 2 who will champion that plan. Not someday – now.

When it comes to Atlanta’s quality of life and the future of transit in our city, the stakes could not be higher this election.

“We need leaders who will ask the hard questions, ensure there is proper oversight and push for additional and creative ways to finance and accelerate the delivery of BeltLine rail. I want my daughter to live in an Atlanta where BeltLine rail is more than lines on a map but a primary form of transportation for the community.”

"Happy to hear Reed’s plans to accelerate Atlanta’s big transit plans by tapping into the anticipated influx of federal transit funding and enthusiastic support from the Georgia congressional delegation.... I was – and truth be told, still am -- having trouble understanding how his plan would generate enough money, and do it fast enough."

Why is BRN crazy for light rail? Because that’s what Atlanta was promised. It’s what our residents and our voters have asked for. It’s what the experts recommended. It’s time to move past the analysis paralysis and just build it - or this window will close forever.

Why would it be necessary to reward developers for building in Atlanta’s hottest markets? DAFC's deals stunt the BeltLine's revenues, and reduce funds for meeting the Beltline’s promises on transit and affordable housing. It's time to stop the madness.

We now know what happens when you attempt transit-oriented development without the transit: every new development project is one more straw, piling up to break the camel’s back and doom the BeltLine’s rail component forever. The opportunity to correct this miscalculation is rapidly running out. Will Atlanta rise up to demand more from ourselves and our elected officials?

Judging from their websites, candidates for Mayor and City Council are aiming abysmally low on issues related to transit - and in particular, BeltLine rail. With elections less than three months away, it’s time to stand up the microphones, turn up the volume, and find out exactly which candidates are ready to talk about transit.

Guest blog by Brian Sumlin. “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.”

BeltLine Rail Now envisions the BeltLine rail loop as a world-class transit solution, embracing Atlanta’s commitment to civil rights and delivering a connected new way of living for everyone. Here’s how you can help bring the vision closer to reality.

Education, activation and election engagement… When BRN shared its strategic plan at Sunday’s Summer Rally, participants were so fired up they kept the strategy conversation going well past the two-hour mark. In coming days, we will be sharing additional details - and inviting your input and participation.

Back in 2018, Ryan Gravel and Cathy Woolard said that the people of Atlanta would need to fight if we wanted rail along the BeltLine to survive the political apathy of the time. This Sunday at 2:00pm, we’ll kick off a host of strategies to turn up the heat even further.