MARTA approves rapid transit plan
What happened: MARTA approved plans for a rapid bus line along Campbellton Road in southwest Atlanta, which could open as early as 2028.
What was approved: The board’s planning committee voted to select bus rapid transit – not light rail – as the preferred alternative for the line, which is planned for Campbellton Road in southwest Atlanta.
Why buses: MARTA found rapid buses would cost far less than light rail ($130 million vs. $340 million). It also found a rapid bus line could open in 2028 (three years sooner than light rail) and would be almost as fast (18 minutes for the full six-mile trip) as light rail (16 minutes).
How it will work: Bus rapid transit uses exclusive lanes to keep passengers moving, while regular buses are stuck in traffic and includes features that mimic rail lines.
About the Author
Justin Beckett is the Team Leader and Senior Designer at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has worked in journalism for 18 years, including stints as a designer and editor at The Daily Press in Victorville, Calif. and Project Team Leader at the Dayton Daily News in Ohio. Most recently he served as an Editions Coach at The AJC.
