Fun w/ Maps - Streetcar Edition (Atlanta, Marietta: transfer, food, design)

[tikigod311]

Using Google Maps Engine light, I created a map showing the current Atlanta Streetcar and future likely expansions of the network.

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/ed...Y.k1R9J4OIxbWs

This is based off lines that, I believe, are most likely to happen. I have added some wishful modifications, heck, the whole thing is kinda wishful. Based off my research, it seems like the NorthWest Line will be the hardest to build out. Regardless, these are not pie in the sky / transit nerd fantasy lines. These have a decent chance, in some form, of becoming reality.


Using the layers on the side, you can uncheck the stations box to get a less cluttered view. Some of the station names are stupid, but that's just for now.

Let me know any comments or revisions you think would work better. I encourage everyone interested to build your own map, its really easy and fun. I will eventually work on a fantasy map that is (somewhat) grounded in reality on how I think transit could best develop in Atlanta.

Create your own at http://mapsengine.google.com

[StAubin]

This is a pretty good map. There are a couple of other lines I would add, such as a line heading north from the west end of the downtown streetcar up luckie street, then joining the west midtown line.

[samiwas1]

I like it, but have a couple of suggestions.

Mine are based on the North Ave./West Midtown Line and the West Midtown Line.

I would have the line from Arts Center terminate at the Waterworks Park, or possibly jog down Howell Mill then down Huff to meet up with the Beltline on the far end.

The West Midtown Line I would start up at the District at Howell Mill (or hey, why not a few hundred feet more to hit the food park), and run it straight down Howell Mill and Marietta Street all the way to the Downtown Streetcar. Cut that jog around Northside.

The North Ave line would come across North Ave, jog up Northside (where I said to cut it form above) and then down Hollowell until it hits the Beltline at Maddox Park. There would be a transfer station at Marietta Street, even though they are on two different levels.

Oh, and run a line up Marietta Blvd. for reasons that are totally unselfish.

[tikigod311]

Oh wow, some people actually looked at it! Thanks for the input folks.

These lines were primarily designed to show what is more likely to be built. It seems the city has a good deal on interest in cross Midtown lines. The little touch I added that I like (obviously) is that the North Ave line serves the English Ave area.

But what I would really like to see is a line that originates at the MMPT, hooks up Marietta or Luckie st, and terminates at Arts Center. In turn, I would make the North Ave and 10th St line into a loop, making the east side of the line run through VaHi. That area is perfect for a streetcar line.

My next project will be to make what should be the entire Atlanta Streetcar network, fantasy edition, with a little grounding in reality.

[arjay57]

It seems to me we need to focus our very scarce transit dollars on serving the areas that are heavily developed and that have large numbers of jobs and residents. (And that pay the freight for city government).

As other areas build up they can be added to the system, but we can't afford any "bridges to nowhere" at this point.