Atlanta’s More MARTA is big, but is it big enough?

Atlanta’s More MARTA consists of 16 projects over a 40-year period.

MARTA rolled out its project timeline for its More MARTA program, and for some it is less.

The Atlanta transit agency is taking advantage of a half-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in 2016 for a $2.7 billion, 16-project package. More MARTA will fund 65 miles of transit lines and 22 miles of arterial rapid transit. It is the agency’s largest investment in decades. Most of the rail projects will be in the construction phase by 2025, and it will take 40 years for the entire More MARTA program to be executed.

However, not everyone is happy about it. A.J. Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress, said MARTA is going with the cheapest options rather than the right options. He was especially critical of the bus rapid transit plan.

Beltway Rail Now prefers to see more money allocated to projects along the Beltline. Kay Stephenson, speaking on behalf of Beltway Rail Now, wants to see light rail on the full loop of the Beltline by 2030. MARTA is dedicating $1.3 billion for projects involving the Atlanta Beltline.