MARTA buses: re-thinking/ re-branding

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by cqholt

It has been discussed that MARTA operate the Streetcar/BeltLine transit, but CoA maintain ownership and funding.

I'd sure like to get the city off the hook on this thing.

Aren't we already providing an extra million dollars a year in operating expenses? That's the entire property tax bill for a lot of folks.

[primaltech]

I feel like if MARTA fully operated the streetcar, it would feel less like a useless tourist gimmick as it does now, and more like an actual transit system. Also it would be better incorporated into the rest of MARTA.

I'm dreaming that some day, somebody who lives in the north suburbs will be able to drive (or bike or walk) to their nearest MARTA station, ride that down to an Armour MARTA station, then transfer once to the streetcar, and ride that line to Piedmont Park or Ponce City Market or wherever along the entire Beltline loop.

Or somebody who lives in Virginia Highland can walk to the nearest streetcar stop, take that to a Krog St MARTA station, then transfer once and either go to downtown Decatur, or the Falcons game. Or they could take the streetcar up to Armour, then transfer once to go walk around the Lenox area, or maybe up to their office job in the north suburbs or something. Or they could go either direction on the streetcar to either train station and then to the airport.

Or somebody who lives near the Peachtree Battle area in Buckhead, could take either the streetcar (with signal prioritization), or a rapid bus/BRT type of frequent and limited stop service. They could head up to Buckhead Village or Buckhead MARTA. Or they could head down to Arts Center or Midtown.

Reliable interconnected transit network that goes everywhere around town, and most of in-town wouldn't need a car to get practically anywhere relevant to them in the entire metro. That's the future of this city.

[fourthwarden]

Originally Posted by arjay57

I'd sure like to get the city off the hook on this thing.

Aren't we already providing an extra million dollars a year in operating expenses? That's the entire property tax bill for a lot of folks.

Not being a smart ass (yeah, I know, I can't believe it either), but where would you have the money come from Arjay?

A private company won't run it without city funds. MARTA can't run it without increased tax revenue. It won't support itself on fares, especially without expansion, which can't be raised on any meaningful level without taxes or pulling from existing funds.

Yes it's coming from the tax payers, but that's why tax payers, well, pay taxes. City services can include transit projects just as much as they can water, roads, parks or schools.

What's your alternative (again, not trying to be cheeky, seriously asking)?

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by primaltech

I feel like if MARTA fully operated the streetcar, it would feel less like a useless tourist gimmick as it does now, and more like an actual transit system. Also it would be better incorporated into the rest of MARTA.

I'm dreaming that some day, somebody who lives in the north suburbs will be able to drive (or bike or walk) to their nearest MARTA station, ride that down to an Armour MARTA station, then transfer once to the streetcar, and ride that line to Piedmont Park or Ponce City Market or wherever along the entire Beltline loop.

Or somebody who lives in Virginia Highland can walk to the nearest streetcar stop, take that to a Krog St MARTA station, then transfer once and either go to downtown Decatur, or the Falcons game. Or they could take the streetcar up to Armour, then transfer once to go walk around the Lenox area, or maybe up to their office job in the north suburbs or something. Or they could go either direction on the streetcar to either train station and then to the airport.

Or somebody who lives near the Peachtree Battle area in Buckhead, could take either the streetcar (with signal prioritization), or a rapid bus/BRT type of frequent and limited stop service. They could head up to Buckhead Village or Buckhead MARTA. Or they could head down to Arts Center or Midtown.

Reliable interconnected transit network that goes everywhere around town, and most of in-town wouldn't need a car to get practically anywhere relevant to them in the entire metro. That's the future of this city.

Once again, that is the vision of the Atlanta Streetcar network, except it will also serve the westside, SW, and Grant Park areas not just the NE quadrant.