On a Thursday night at the Healey building, transit advocates gathered for a panel discussion focused on enhancing Atlanta’s transportation system, generating a robust array of ideas and opinions.
The event showcased voices from the cycling community, who highlighted the pressing need for road quality improvements and addressed the ongoing issue of potholes tarnishing the streets.
Transit advocates passionately called for the expansion of light rail, particularly along the Atlanta Beltline, a project designed by noted urban planner Ryan Gravel.
The panel featured several familiar faces, including Gravel, cycling organizer Zahra Alabanza, and former City Council President Kathy Woolard, each bringing their own insights into the discussion.
Moderating the event was Rohit Malhotra, who recently transitioned from executive director of the Center for Civic Innovation to a candidate for Atlanta City Council President, a shift that has put him in the spotlight for the upcoming election.
Malhotra will face incumbent council member Marci Collier Overstreet in the race, and during the panel, he occasionally slipped back into his former role as moderator when discussing various transportation solutions.
At one point, he humorously admitted, “I forgot I was running for office,” as he engaged with the audience and addressed concerns regarding his potential priorities as a city leader.
Attendees were quick to hold Malhotra accountable, noting the urgency of their transportation needs and pressing him for his “first 100-day” goals should he be elected.
Reflecting on the event, Malhotra expressed a sense of urgency from the community, noting that many wish to see concrete action taken on transportation issues.
During the discussion, the panelists shared their personal connections to the city’s transport network, with Alabanza emphasizing that transportation access directly impacts housing and food security.
Alabanza, a mobility justice advocate and founder of the nonprofit Red Bike and Green, advocated for policies that prioritize vulnerable communities in mobility planning.
She stated, “You can’t talk about housing, you can’t talk about food without discussing transportation and the ways in which people access those.”
The panel did recognize some positive aspects of Atlanta’s transportation landscape, such as the airport MARTA station, the growing use of e-scooters and bikes, and the notable popularity of the Beltline.
However, Alabanza qualified her praise by urging the city to pursue an even more ambitious transportation agenda.
Ryan Gravel, visibly frustrated, pointed out that despite the initial vision of the Beltline integrating light rail, little progress has been made in this area.
He remarked, “It’s frustrating to see the city make few strides, especially while other cities are expanding their rail and bus systems.”
Alabanza concurred with Gravel’s sentiment, stressing that to become a world-class city, Atlanta must enhance its facilities for walking, biking, and public transport.
The panelists collectively agreed on the need to address Atlanta’s car-dependent culture while simultaneously improving transit infrastructure.
Throughout the evening, discussions centered on the necessity for better road conditions, greater access to public transportation, and the imperative for equity in transportation developments.
Woolard shared her experiences from her time on the transportation committee, noting how passionate the public was about the city’s transit planning.
She observed, “I realized Atlanta had no transportation plan, but everybody had a transportation plan for Atlanta.”
The event culminated in an audience Q&A, where participants expressed their concerns and aspirations for the city’s transportation future.
Malhotra mentioned that he spent the evening “actively listening and learning” what the community desires and requires from their city.
He concluded by expressing satisfaction in assuming a new role after more than ten years of organizing, stating, “It was beautiful to be curious and for the first time in over a decade to play a different role.”
Looking forward, Malhotra emphasized that should he be elected, his priority within the initial 100 days would involve a thorough review of the city’s budget to ensure transportation funds are allocated and utilized effectively.
image source from：saportareport
