For many Clayton County residents, 2015 holds great promise. MARTA buses will begin rolling here next month. What are residents, advocates and students thinking as we get closer to realizing the dream of much-needed public transit system?
In talking with neighbors and people in the community, I find cautious optimism. A church deacon at Watch Night service on New Year’s Eve asked me, “Do you really think the buses are coming back?” Another church member chimed, in saying, “Oh yeah, they’re coming this time. It’s a done deal.”
Despite media coverage, some people still don’t know the MARTA referendum passed and transit is about to become reality. For those who are aware, most have a sense of pride that something good is happening in our community. Cordelia Stewart, a cashier at a local Family Dollar, is excited because she will be able to work more hours, not having to leave when her “ride” leaves at 6 p.m.
“Oh my God, I can’t wait,” she squealed with joy. When Cordelia moved to Clayton 18 months ago, she had a car. A few months later, that car was stolen. She found herself in need of transportation to and from work. At one point, she was paying as much as $20 a day for a taxi ride to and from her job. She now looks forward to being on the first bus to roll down Riverdale Road. Her store manager also is grateful; he said at least 10 of his friends and family have lost jobs or quit school due to the lack of transportation.
Additionally, MARTA will bring people from other areas of metro Atlanta into Clayton for employment, shopping, education, worship and entertainment.
Students at Clayton State University were early supporters of bringing in MARTA. From the beginning, the lack of public transportation has hampered many students here — as well as students from DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett and elsewhere — from continuing their education. Clayton State is one of more than 10 colleges in the county. .
Riverdale Mayor Evelyn Dixon and Lovejoy Mayor Bobby Cartwright look forward to greater economic opportunities for their municipalities. Residents will have greater access to jobs, and the county will attract more businesses because the workforce will have reliable public transportation.
Partnering with elected officials and the community, MARTA has already held several job fairs here, looking to hire several hundred new employees as the agency prepares to provide bus service.
County Chairman Jeff Turner has said he believes transit will go a long way to reduce Clayton’s unemployment rate. MARTA makes the county more attractive to businesses, such as the new call center being opened at Southlake Mall and the Kroger to open at the Ft. Gillem development.
Clayton’s transit effort has brought people together from all walks of life and crossed socio-economic lines to benefit the entire community, region and state.
Not one person I encountered while scouting feedback for this column has complained about the one-cent increase in the sales tax. In fact, most have the same sentiment as Jack Lucas, a senior citizens advocate. “What is one penny?,” he asked. “I’d be willing to pay even if it cost one dollar, if it means we have public transportation. Seniors want their independence.”
With MARTA, businesses will come. Industry will grow. Unemployment will be reduced. Students can get to college. Senior citizens can be independent. Property values will increase. Transit means meangingful change and positive growth for all of Clayton County. We are ready.
Former state Rep. Roberta Abdul-Salaam is founder and president of Friends of Clayton Transit.
