Citywide Conversation: Beltline Transit Study Update

Atlanta Beltline, Inc. (ABI) hosted a Citywide Conversation focused on transit along the Beltline on September 26th, sharing updates on the progress of the Atlanta Beltline Transit Study with the public. Launched in 2023, and federally funded by the Federal Transit Administration, this two-year study aims to advance transit in Atlanta by identifying preferred routes and stations along the Beltline that will improve regional connectivity and ensure equitable transportation options for all.  

The study spans approximately 13 miles, from Glenwood Park south of I-20 to Bankhead on the west side, extending north toward the Lindbergh Center MARTA station. It aims to identify alignments station locations in the Northwest quadrant of the Beltline Planning Area and solidify preferred station locations in the Southwest and Southeast quadrants where the transit alignment has already been determined.  

During the Citywide Conversation, the Beltline Transit Study team provided updates on potential preferred routes and station locations in the three quadrants, outlining the criteria guiding the planning process.  

Northwest  

The Northwest is the most complex quadrant of the Beltline, weaving through residential areas without an existing rail corridor. Because of this, Beltline trail and transit cannot always run parallel.

Various transit corridors are under consideration with some extending into Atlantic Station and others remaining further north. Each alignment has the potential to connect to the proposed MARTA infill station at Armour Yards or, if necessary, reach the Lindbergh Center MARTA Station. The study compared 18 segments against 9 criteria including connections to MARTA heavy rail, trail network connectivity, affordable housing connectivity, transit dependency, equity and inclusion, and engineering feasibility, resulting in 5 potential corridor alternatives that serve different interest points. 

Southwest and Southeast  

In the Southeast corridor, 14 transit station locations were initially proposed, and seven were proposed to move forward in the planning process based on travel times, future density, and last mile-connectivity. 

Throughout the Southwest quadrant, 12 potential station locations were reviewed, with six proposed to move forward. These stations cover the area from Murphy Avenue to the proposed MARTA infill station at Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, stretching to Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, with the largest distance of about 0.75 miles between them. The Murphy Avenue station would be located at Murphy Crossing, providing convenient transit access to this 20+ acre mixed-use site directly on the Westside Trail. 

What's Next?  

In the coming months, the team will continue to engage the community for feedback and input through various forums as the study advances. The Beltline will then develop service plan assumptions, to then make ridership projections and develop cost estimates.  

Want to voice your opinion on the transit conversation? Look for our upcoming Beltline Transit Study survey which will open in early November. 

Watch the full Citywide Conversation: Beltline Transit Study here.