MARTA to make an $8 billion pitch to change the face of Atlanta (Marietta: membership, demographics)

[fieldm]

I just emailed the Lt Gov. I let him know that there are better ways to do this. Basically what I said was to just present a plan with state-funded commuter rail throughout the metro region similar to this map and it would immediately be welcomed

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by cqholt

Har! That's great, cq.

[fourthwarden]

Originally Posted by cqholt

pic

Honetly, that's pretty adorable.

[demonta4]

Originally Posted by fieldm

I just emailed the Lt Gov. I let him know that there are better ways to do this. Basically what I said was to just present a plan with state-funded commuter rail throughout the metro region similar to this map and it would immediately be welcomed

"First Phase to open in 2006"

That's probably one of the biggest mistake our region has made. Imagine how many lines we would have today if this original one actually opened.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by fieldm

I just emailed the Lt Gov. I let him know that there are better ways to do this. Basically what I said was to just present a plan with state-funded commuter rail throughout the metro region similar to this map and it would immediately be welcomed

I rail line to Clarkston would help the refugees that live there access the regions major job centers easier.

[fourthwarden]

Originally Posted by demonta4

"First Phase to open in 2006"

That's probably one of the biggest mistake our region has made. Imagine how many lines we would have today if this original one actually opened.

We had the federal backing too. The state lost it during the whole attempt to remove GDoT.

[fieldm]

I would recommend you all contact him also

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by fourthwarden

We had the federal backing too. The state lost it during the whole attempt to remove GDoT.

I think it's safe to say Perdue set back transportation in this state 20+ years with his attempted stunt to neuter GDOT.

[tikigod311]

Originally Posted by Born 2 Roll

Cagle knows EXACTLY what MARTA has done in the last few years. He just is downplaying it for his deeply-conservative suburban/exurban/rural audience which will hate an urban-dominated MARTA no matter what good things they do.

Someone sees through the BS! It is what it is, Cagel's comments are incorrect and offensive but they are unfortunately necessary for any state involvement at this point. As unfortunate as this is on the surface, it is actually quite exciting as a R in GA is voluntarily bringing up funding transit on the state level.

I've been away for a few days and it feels like I have missed months worth of news. So much is happening for Atlanta's future right now its easy to miss the magnitude of all of this.

[primaltech]

I know this is beating a dead horse, and pointless, but here's why I think Cobb should join MARTA, but not Gwinnett:
http://i.imgur.com/s1CNJLR.png

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is currently 3 counties, I think it should be 4. The truly metropolitan counties. There are 4 ITP counties: Cobb and Clayton have approximately the same amount of inside-285 territory. Cobb directly borders the city of Atlanta. Downtown Marietta is the same distance from Downtown Atlanta as Downtown Jonesboro is, and Clayton has MARTA. Even though Cobb has a lot more people, a lot more traffic problems, and it has high rise urban office buildings. Add the Braves, and it's just a no-brainer.

And by the same token, I don't care anymore whether Gwinnett joins MARTA. And I only think they should, if Cobb does also. Gwinnett doesn't go ITP, has an entire other county between it and Atlanta, doesn't have a major dense business district, and has a large population but that's because of the larger geographical area. They do need commuter rail, but it could just as easily be GRTA.

So, not against the idea of MARTA in Gwinnett, but I say MARTA will never be complete or fully useful, without Cobb.