Transit enthusiasts are receiving cautious optimism following a recent virtual meeting hosted by the Beltline leadership regarding the Beltline Transit Study.
Despite challenges such as decommitments from city officials and opposition from some community members, the future of light-rail transit around the Beltline loop remains a topic of serious discussion.
The meeting provided attendees with updates on the potential transit system, revealing a preliminary cost estimate of approximately $3.5 billion for full implementation.
This figure includes around $270 million dedicated to the procurement of 42 vehicles.
Particular focus was placed on the various quadrants of the Beltline, with the Northwest section emerging as the most expensive segment, potentially costing about $800 million to develop, primarily due to the lack of existing right-of-way for light rail construction.
Conversely, the shorter Crosstown East section is estimated to cost $400 million, influenced heavily by the need for a large tunnel under Hulsey Yards, an area under the control of CSX Transportation.
Shaun Green, the principal engineer at the Beltline, emphasized that cost estimates are currently preliminary, noting that only 5 to 10 percent of the engineering design work is complete.
“It’s not going to be delivered overnight,” said Green.
He underscored that the implementation plan is continuing to evolve, with much work still ahead.
The presentation included preliminary recommendations for station locations, with plans for 13 stops situated along the Southwest and Southeast quadrants, regions where the Beltline currently owns the necessary land.
Green indicated that these stop locations may still be subject to change, depending on the outcome of ongoing engineering studies.
An important objective for the Beltline transit system is to ensure that passengers do not face long wait times for transit vehicles.
“We don’t want to have a stop every quarter of a mile; it would take forever to get anywhere,” he added.
Moreover, the meeting disclosed the preferred route for the Northwest transit quadrant, designed to connect the Bankhead area with the Lindbergh region.
This route, which currently has no established rail corridor under Beltline control, aims to provide transit access to Piedmont Hospital, a key employer in the vicinity.
Green highlighted that one option considered was for light rail to leave the Beltline corridor, using a raised track along Peachtree Road.
However, officials determined that this approach would involve significant expense and could disrupt local traffic patterns, such as eliminating left turn access into commercial centers, while also impacting the visual landscape.
Instead, the recommended alternative is the CSX Alignment, which will run alongside the railroad’s right-of-way and feature only eight strategically placed stops, designed to enhance passenger flow aiming for a quicker transit experience.
Since the inception of the Beltline Transit Study in September 2023, the agency has aimed to assess the mobility future for the entirety of the 22-mile loop, excluding the northeast quadrant that includes the Old Fourth Ward and Lindbergh areas.
That area has seen its own examination by MARTA, though without successful outcomes to date.
Currently, there is no established timeline for construction, though Green mentioned that more information regarding implementation may begin to emerge by late 2025, following additional community engagement efforts.
As modeling work continues to analyze potential ridership, factors such as future city leadership’s position on the transit system and its overall viability remain uncertain.
Green quoted Mayor Andre Dickens stating that Beltline rail will commence on the southside, yet the specifics largely hinge on future developments within the implementation plan.
While the funding and planning for transit are undeniably challenging, Green emphasized that transit plays a critical role in the overarching health and functionality of the city.
“Transit is not inexpensive,” he remarked, but it remains essential for the system and the city’s long-term growth.
Developments from the Beltline’s presentation are available for visual reference in a gallery shared with the public, showcasing initial plans and projections.
As the Beltline authorities move forward, the community remains engaged, eagerly anticipating clearer strategies and timelines in the coming years.
image source from：atlanta
