Design Your Own MARTA Expansion (Atlanta, Columbus: fit in, campus, rating)

[StAubin]

Originally Posted by toll_booth

I totally agree with this. I don't know why that hasn't even been considered for serious discussion. The only catch with it, however, is that once you get past Cumberland, right-of-way is gonna get awfully tight. I honestly don't know how they can make a mostly-surface heavy rail from Cumberland to Southern Poly/Dobbins/Marietta Square/etc.

The line to southern poly and cumberland should spurt from the stub tunnle north of arts center and it could be an elevated line up 75.

The Bankhead line should be expanded to 6 cars and run up to south cobb drive area.

[gtcorndog]

Originally Posted by toll_booth

I totally agree with this. I don't know why that hasn't even been considered for serious discussion. The only catch with it, however, is that once you get past Cumberland, right-of-way is gonna get awfully tight. I honestly don't know how they can make a mostly-surface heavy rail from Cumberland to Southern Poly/Dobbins/Marietta Square/etc.

Honestly, I don't think Cobb won't be good with that line heading up into their county. I'd much prefer a rail spur that goes from Midtown than a 'Bankhead extension.'

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by gtcorndog

Honestly, I don't think Cobb won't be good with that line heading up into their county. I'd much prefer a rail spur that goes from Midtown than a 'Bankhead extension.'

But times are a-changin', Brother Corn--Now, it can be really seen as a 'Westside extension.'

[toll_booth]

Originally Posted by gtcorndog

Honestly, I don't think Cobb won't be good with that line heading up into their county. I'd much prefer a rail spur that goes from Midtown than a 'Bankhead extension.'

Yeah, that's probably how it's gonna work. My guess is that it will be a light rail line, which runs through Atlantic Station, up Northside or Howell Mill, and then I-75 up to Cumberland. It may not be the most effective setup, but it's certainly better than nothing.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by toll_booth

Yeah, that's probably how it's gonna work. My guess is that it will be a light rail line, which runs through Atlantic Station, up Northside or Howell Mill, and then I-75 up to Cumberland. It may not be the most effective setup, but it's certainly better than nothing.

Something is not always better than nothing. $1 billion is a lot of money. You could fund a bunch of park n rides with that. If they spend $1 billion (or 917 million), I want it spent on something that will work well.

Bankside is more logical, but a MARTA line that connects to the Arts station and runs through downtown would work as well. But that last mile or so near Atlantic Station might be very difficult with heavy rail. With light rail, they probably just run it down 17th Street and then have to figure out how to turn it around.

[scpatl4now]

Originally Posted by gtcorndog

No one is arguing that there are intangibles that come into play. Job growth, etc.

I don't think anyone on here is 'anti-transit' despite people trying to label me that way. I am pro-transit

Most people are pro-transit. The problem is they dont want to invest in it. They dont want a sales tax, they dont want the state to help pay for it, and they're screaming that the federal govt. spends too much. The sad part is this would be a great time for the federal govt. to borrow to improve infrastructure. Today I read that the interest rate the govt pays is .13% which is pretty cheap money...I'd take on a lot more debt myself if I was getting that kind of rate for the return I'd receive. GA could also borrow money at a very low rate, but these are not concepts easily understood...and its easier to believe a politician who says we are broke

[gtcorndog]

Originally Posted by scpatl4now

Most people are pro-transit. The problem is they dont want to invest in it. They dont want a sales tax, they dont want the state to help pay for it, and they're screaming that the federal govt. People don't want a sales tax that will be pissed away on projects that will have minimal impact. People in Cherokee County don't want their money being spent on a 4 mile, $1 billion MARTA extension. I understand that. This proposed sales tax is a regional tax and the entire region needs to be included in the spending. Therefore, you can't spend too much on one project, especially if it doesn't do much for the entire region. I don't want to pay for things that don't have a big impact either. Give us projects that will help and expand MARTA's reach (Rail up to Cumberland and a Gold Line extension into Gwinnett) and people are more likely to listen. Those projects have multi-county benefits... spends too much. The sad part is this would be a great time for the federal govt. to borrow to improve infrastructure. Sure... other than the fact that there is a crushing debt facing this country, massive future deficits (despite the imaginary debt reduction that just took place), unsustainable Social Security and Medicare systems, and yet to be discussed unfunded pension liabilities. Other than all of that, NOW is the time to spend like crazy on additional infrastructure. Most of those listed were federal problems, but things aren't much better at the State level. Perhaps we should have spent more of the 'Stimulus package' on the supposedly transit ready projects rather than waste it on expanded government. Today I read that the interest rate the govt pays is .13% which is pretty cheap money Huh? I think you have the incorrect. 13% of our income goes to pay debt. US Govt pays about 4% on a 30 year treasury. In what World is13% is cheap money? ...I'd take on a lot more debt myself if I was getting that kind of rate for the return I'd receive. GA could also borrow money at a very low rate, but these are not concepts easily understood...and its easier to believe a politician who says we are broke Are you actually trying to say that we are not in an awful budget situation?

Comments above.

[tomno00]

I think people should be more open to socialistic ideas at the city/regional level. I am talking about transportation taxes, higher sales tax, etc. to fund tranporation projects. But most people in georgia would call you the devil for even believing in such a concept. We need to give more of our money to fund projects so that we can create a better city for everyone.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by tomno00

I think people should be more open to socialistic ideas at the city/regional level. I am talking about transportation taxes, higher sales tax, etc. to fund tranporation projects. But most people in georgia would call you the devil for even believing in such a concept. We need to give more of our money to fund projects so that we can create a better city for everyone.

Not all cooperation is "socialism".

[akylin]

Since I am a student, my suggestion is to at least expand the marta to the three main universities in our city: Georgia Tech, Georgia State and Emory. The apartments near school are too expensive. If there is marta, we can choose to leave further.