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

[GeorgiaPeanuts]

I feel like LRT is the right answer, but with how long it takes them to keep redoing the same studies over and over maybe BRT is better since it can be done faster. I'd like something I could use in my lifetime.

[Tuckerman]

Unfortunately, in Atlanta (and probably throughout the US) there is no compulsion to build rapid transit. The delays are inexcusable - usually because of costs. This is of course absurd since costs always go up over time. We have waited too long. The rapid transit system in Atlanta should have been built out 30 years ago. There is no push by politicians or the pubic to create a comprehensive rapid transit system in Atlanta. However, Atlanta is hardly unusual in its lack of commitment to a comprehensive rapid transit.

[montydawg]

Originally Posted by Tuckerman

Unfortunately, in Atlanta (and probably throughout the US) there is no compulsion to build rapid transit. The delays are inexcusable - usually because of costs. This is of course absurd since costs always go up over time. We have waited too long. The rapid transit system in Atlanta should have been built out 30 years ago. There is no push by politicians or the pubic to create a comprehensive rapid transit system in Atlanta. However, Atlanta is hardly unusual in its lack of commitment to a comprehensive rapid transit.

I think the right thing to do is purchase the right of way for transit now, then only build when it becomes feasible. There are many transit systems in the US which are underutilized, and a drain on operating budgets of many transit agencies. Setting up dedicated corridors which transit will be built in the future, coupled with proper land use policies, sets the groundwork for a successful transit corridor. It allows development to organically occur along the corridor for many years, which increases demand and makes the corridor more viable for transit. The silver line in DC that connects Dulles to Tyson corner is a great example. The right of way was reserved in the 1960, however they are building it out now. Not having reserved right of way makes for an inefficient transit design since so many compromises need to be made to make transit work in a built out road system.

We are seeing this play out along the east side trail (e.g. reserved corridor planned many years ago) I’m not sure how many of the office buildings were lured by the future rail line, but I think ridership will be pretty good on the line once it opens. There will likely be several more office projects along the corridor in the next 10 years, hopefully in the Whole Foods shopping center.

[smArTaLlone]

The first of the brand new MARTA rail car bodies have arrived in Georgia at the Port of Brunswick after crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Hungary. They're on the way to Atlanta before continuing to Stadler's facility in Salt Lake City for final assembly.

https://twitter.com/MARTAtransit/status/1603042349692686336/photo/3

[atlHawks]

Originally Posted by smArTaLlone

https://twitter.com/MARTAtransit/status/1603042349692686336/photo/3

I thought these weren’t supposed to be delivered until 2026, or am I thinking of something else..

[daharris80]

Originally Posted by atlHawks

I thought these weren’t supposed to be delivered until 2026, or am I thinking of something else..

Only here temporarily. They are being sent to Utah for final assembly. Not sure about the 2026 date, but there are no completed units. Just coming through on their way to Utah and MARTA is using it for a bit of press.

[shivtim]

They're doing some kind of VR tour of the new trains this Friday.

[smArTaLlone]

• Video Link

[pebezo]

One of things I don't like about the current Marta trains is that they feel crammed. You have two rows of side-by-side seating when most folks travel alone. There's little room for people to walk up and down. Not to mention there's no room to put big luggage next to you if you want to sit down (unless you put it on the actual seat next to you or block the small pathway).

I'm disappointed that they went with the same two-rows configuration for at least half the space. I swear, it's like these folks never traveled outside of ATL or actually commuted daily in a crowded car. The space inside that allows one to travel to/from the door is THE most important aspect (especially when crowded). This is a subway / metro where folks go constantly in and out, not a long distance bus for !@# sake.

You have to scroll a lot before finding something that resembles the current/future design: https://www.google.com/search?q=inside+s...1230&biw=2048&hl=en#imgrc=LfbfK6TwUlwFcM

[gt7348b]

If you're link had pictures other than the NYC subway. MARTA's seating is similar most other North American and European subways. Even NYC has two-two seating except on certain lines. Have you ever ridden BART, WMATA, RATP, GauTrain, Wein Ubahn or Brussels Metro? The only time MARTA is crowded these days are for special events like the Chik Fil A bowl.

[bryantm3]

I am kind of concerned about the open gangway design when it comes to safety issues like mass shootings, stalking/sexual assault etc. I have seen a lot of talk about the pros of an open gangway design but they don't seem to consider what happens in situations like this.

[montydawg]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

I am kind of concerned about the open gangway design when it comes to safety issues like mass shootings, stalking/sexual assault etc. I have seen a lot of talk about the pros of an open gangway design but they don't seem to consider what happens in situations like this.

Open gangways are bad for escaping odors by switching cars

[pebezo]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

I am kind of concerned about the open gangway design when it comes to safety issues like mass shootings, stalking/sexual assault etc. I have seen a lot of talk about the pros of an open gangway design but they don't seem to consider what happens in situations like this.

It's pretty sad that we have to even consider this, but I'd argue it's better not worse. Would you rather folks be trapped rather be able to move around?

[pebezo]

Originally Posted by gt7348b

If you're link had pictures other than the NYC subway. MARTA's seating is similar most other North American and European subways.

That's what Google brings up by default (most likely customized to one's location). You could append "Europe" or favorite Asian city to that search query and it wouldn't change much. In fairness, it's not a good research tool, I'll give you that.

However, from what I've seen and experienced, the trend is towards open/roomy cars:

https://www.wired.com/2016/01/nycs-finally-trying-a-subway-design-that-cuts-crowding-and-delays/

London found the design can increase capacity by as much as 10 percent. More than rescuing some poor soul from being lodged in someone's armpit, dispersing passengers can reduce what the MTA calls dwell times, when the train's sitting in a station, waiting for everyone to push their way out of or into particularly crowded cars.

That quote is about open gangway cars, but I'd argue that introducing bottlenecks (two sets of side-by-side seats with a narrow space between) works against this concept of open flow.

[shivtim]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

I am kind of concerned about the open gangway design when it comes to safety issues like mass shootings, stalking/sexual assault etc. I have seen a lot of talk about the pros of an open gangway design but they don't seem to consider what happens in situations like this.

I understand the concern, but right now the cars are connected by doors. You're not supposed to, but people can and do walk between trains, especially people panhandling. Open gangway designs are used globally and I haven't seen any problems specific to this design.

[700]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

I am kind of concerned about the open gangway design when it comes to safety issues

The upside from the safety perspective with the open gangways is that it allows police officers to more easily patrol the entire train instead of just one or two cars. Overall I think open gangways enhance safety far more than they detract.

[Atlurbsandspices]

Originally Posted by 700

The upside from the safety perspective with the open gangways is that it allows police officers to more easily patrol the entire train instead of just one or two cars. Overall I think open gangways enhance safety far more than they detract.

Is MARTA looking to have more of a presence on the trains? If so, I think I agree the open gangways are an improvement, but as it stands now I prefer being able to switch cars at the next stop and try to isolate myself from any issues

[Julien]

A little east side Beltline action at Piedmont looking north behind Ansley Mall.

[Atlurbsandspices]

Could a privately owned rail line like Brightline in FL, be built in GA? Has anyone tried? What impediments exist here that don't exist in FL?

[montydawg]

Originally Posted by Atlurbsandspices

Could a privately owned rail line like Brightline in FL, be built in GA? Has anyone tried? What impediments exist here that don't exist in FL?

Well, the economics of running a passenger railroad are not favorable to freight- so I believe CSX and NS are out. Nearly all countries, including China, are subsidizing the passenger railroad networks. Bright line plans on making a good chunk of their money on real estate. They purchased large chunks of land before stations were announced and plans leases on those plots and other like deals. Being bright line is more or less run by the existing railroad down the coast, FEC, who already owns the land, the economics were favorable since they already own the track. Florida also has a lot of density along a straight line, which is not really the case in atlanta outside peach tree street. I think any railroad in Georgia will need to be subsidized by the government, as any railroad with a slight chance of being profitable is being persued by private companies now.