ATLANTA TRANSIT (Marta, Beltline, Peachtree Streetcar, LovJoy Commuter, etc...)

[GeorgiaPeanuts]

Well they just release the beltline annual report for 2023 and it has a signed statement by Dickens on page 3: https://beltline.org/2023-annual-report/

It lists this as one of the bullet points for what the Beltline is:
"Designing a streetcar that will improve mobility for all Atlanta, with a more robust transportation system that connects to MARTA rail"

[tinyslam]

Honestly I think if they build the infill stations at the beltline crossings they could keep the light rail only on the beltline and not have to worry about the connection to the existing streetcar. That would keep the beltline rail in its own right of way for the whole trip. They should focus on building light rail on the whole loop now. However that would only work if they got moving on the infill stations asap so they open before/with the beltline rail. The downside is they would have to build a new maintenance facility on the beltline or still build a connection to the existing one.

[GeorgiaPeanuts]

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/...streetcar.html

Thank god

[montydawg]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaPeanuts

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/...streetcar.html

Thank god

I don’t subscribe, but the article headline reads: ‘MARTA expansion with infill stations will not replace streetcar extension, CEO says’

[shivtim]

Here's the question and answer at the transportation committee:
https://www.youtube.com/live/0ZED5P2...3SaWu-v&t=2991

[newuserbuckhead]

Originally Posted by tinyslam

Honestly I think if they build the infill stations at the beltline crossings they could keep the light rail only on the beltline and not have to worry about the connection to the existing streetcar. That would keep the beltline rail in its own right of way for the whole trip. They should focus on building light rail on the whole loop now. However that would only work if they got moving on the infill stations asap so they open before/with the beltline rail. The downside is they would have to build a new maintenance facility on the beltline or still build a connection to the existing one.

The "original" plan for rail on the beltline is both. Have different routes/lines that go to different places. Some would stay on the beltline while others would venture off of it and onto surface streets.

The biggest mess up was putting the streetcar in running traffic and not a dedicated ROW.

[smArTaLlone]

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/...ur-murphy.html

The new MARTA stations will rise at Krog Street-Hulsey Yard, Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, Murphy Crossing and Armour Yards.

The administrative order also identifies a corridor for a bus rapid transit (BRT) line that would connect the redeveloped Bowen Homes community on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway to Ponce City Market, at the Atlanta BeltLine's Eastside Trail.

[smArTaLlone]

https://twitter.com/MARTAtransit/sta...20598159278092

[700]

Airport and Five Points stations renovations, Indian Creek TOD, 4 new infill stations, Hank Aaron Dr. BRT, and eastside Beltline streetcar extension...MARTA is on a roll!

[numacs]

Originally Posted by 700

Airport and Five Points stations renovations, Indian Creek TOD, 4 new infill stations, Hank Aaron Dr. BRT, and eastside Beltline streetcar extension...MARTA is on a roll!

Don't forget the affordable housing and MARTA adjacent TOD slated for Avondale station.

[smArTaLlone]

https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/202...one-interview/

“An effort to bring a streetcar extension line along the Beltline is still in a review phase.

Dickens said that analysis will be critical in determining if streetcar is the appropriate transit mode along the BetlLine.

Once we come out with that, we’ll make sure the public knows, and we can make a clear decision on do we want it to be on rails, do we want it to be on rubber tires, do we want small pods or do we want to leave this as a walking trail?” Dickens said. “I think by having it as right now with four infill stations, you’re seeing connectivity coming to the BeltLine. Now how do we get people around the BeltLine?”

Higgs also would not commit to a stance about the streetcar extension project.

“We have to let the data drive. That just cannot be a heart-strings decision, but it has to be data driven,” Higgs said. “Once we have the data, we’ll be very clear about our position on all things transit.”

MARTA is conducting two studies on the proposed streetcar extension along the BeltLine. One study is gauging the feasibility and cost of replacing wired streetcars with smaller, electric off-catenary wire trains.

Another study is looking at how to improve the efficiency and experience of the existing streetcar.

Those studies will be complete at the end of May, according to a MARTA spokesperson.

[bryantm3]

Could they realistically run some type of streetcar that has a series of pods rather than an open gangway? Like we know the autonomous pods idea is probably too far off but I could see a train of pods working, maybe.

[Martinman]

And there it is. Of course we all know Mayor Dickens didn't find a drawer filled with millions to complete the infill stations he's proposing. And any discussion of pods as a potential alternative just demonstrates the intent to kill rail on the Beltline.

[Julien]

Little OT but relative, interesting and cool. TL DR Backstory: Been (or was) a Tesla Full Self Driving Beta tester since day one (Oct 21). Was at work and got Notification for an update. Downloaded, got off work and went to the gym then hit Install. Got in car and decided to cross the city (Ansley Mall to Westside Park) for a test. Pulled out on Pedmount and PERFECT start since a just set up temporary work zone and having to cross the yellow line. Smiled and turn on FSDS (Full Self Driving Supervised) and...........Cruse Control (FSDS) Unavailable message. What the hell? Pulled into a side street, checked Autopilot menu and then did a MCU reboot and nada. So F'n manually driving turn on 17th St and car coming. Love testing FSDS here since as you can see this is a little tricky. Since I was driving and still perplexing on why FSD wasn’t working I just wanted on the car and as it got closer to me I was like WHAT the HELL is THAT.

It was the Waymo that was just dropped in ATL TODAY (didn’t know about this until I got home and found the Tweet) for testing and FSDS BLEW it. I wanted a face off/game of chicken between a Waymo and FSDS soooooo bad. What a coincidence to see the first and only Waymo car on day one.

Cruse was going to start testing in ATL before it kinda demise. Now Waymo is selected ATL so hope to see them soon.

PS: Did a system Power Down/reset and let car sleep for 1 hour and FSDS back.