Curious: Do you think the metro has "forgotten" The I-85 bridge collapse and needed transit upgrades in the suburbs? (Atlanta: sales, sales tax)

[Need4Camaro]

Not to re-bring up the cause of the collapse, or anything regarding the engineering or how quickly it was addressed, but more so the impact it had on the Northern and North East suburbs when the bridge collapsed it revealed a serious vulnerability in Atlanta's infrastructure dedicating to commuting. Not to say that I believe something like this will happen so easily again, but have those impacted already begun to draw their attention away from the needed transportation upgrades in the suburbs, especially that of a rail network and redundant routes?

I see Atlanta is addressing these matters with the consolidation of transit agencies, and it looks possible we may get a passenger rail, in what form I am unclear yet... but I am wondeirng if after that bridge opened and people turned the keys to their motors... if we instantly just dropped the idea as to how important and necessary redundant means of transit truly is...

[SAAN]

Maybe so. If it took 6-8+ months to repair, im sure there probably would have been more interest in a immediate transit expansion vs the constant BS "surveying" "studying" "Polling" "what ifs" on rail expansion. Right now it will only be on a ballot if it thinks it will get more votes for who ever is proposing it.

I really believe if there was a immediate plan on rail expansion, which realistic start and end dates, that could have pushed Amazon and probably other companies to wan to come here too knowing there is an alternate to the trafic to where people have to commute.

[primaltech]

It will indeed be pretty funny if Gwinnett implements an I-85 based transit solution that would be just as vulnerable to a bridge collapse as cars are.

If they go the BRT route, they should go all out with it and have a separate elevated structure as a busway.

[primaltech]

Though interestingly, Sugarloaf Pkwy and Buford Dr I believe are the only I-85 bridges in Gwinnett/OTP. It mostly stays on the ground.

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by primaltech

It will indeed be pretty funny if Gwinnett implements an I-85 based transit solution that would be just as vulnerable to a bridge collapse as cars are.

If they go the BRT route, they should go all out with it and have a separate elevated structure as a busway.

At that point, they might as well go ahead and extend the MARTA Gold Line (which they should do regardless).

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by Gulch

At that point, they might as well go ahead and extend the MARTA Gold Line (which they should do regardless).

This is something I would much prefer over a BRT

[ATLTJL]

I would vote against anything other that high speed rail and campaign others to do the same.

A 1% sales tax for some effing busses? No, thank you.

But I already know what's going to happen. This is what they are going to ask people to vote on, and of course we're going to vote it down. Then people will accuse the only minority majority county in the metro of being racist. I bet if you put extending the gold line on the ballot, it would pass with no problem.

[arjay57]

I'm afraid traffic disruptions have a short memory life. Once they are resolved it's back to business as usual.

[samiwas1]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

But I already know what's going to happen. This is what they are going to ask people to vote on, and of course we're going to vote it down. Then people will accuse the only minority majority county in the metro of being racist. I bet if you put extending the gold line on the ballot, it would pass with no problem.

No. Here is what will happen. They’ll get some sort of approval vote, then “study” it for the next ten years until they need another vote and tax increase to fund it. At which point, they’ll “study” it some more. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

[PKCorey]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

I would vote against anything other that high speed rail and campaign others to do the same.

A 1% sales tax for some effing busses? No, thank you.

But I already know what's going to happen. This is what they are going to ask people to vote on, and of course we're going to vote it down. Then people will accuse the only minority majority county in the metro of being racist. I bet if you put extending the gold line on the ballot, it would pass with no problem.

Rockdale County is majority-minority county as well.

I'm sure, Nash want this to fail. Hell, I doubt, she will allow it on the ballot in November. She is going blame the transit study for the delay.

If she does, I will be totally shocked.