Here in Metro Atlanta, we all agree that traffic is terrible and continues to get worse over time. There is a reason for that, with a population of over 6,000,000 we have  grown to become the sixth largest Metropolitan  Area in the nation. Despite being a sprawling major city most of the population does not have access to Public Transportation ad is forced to be car dependent. Not everyone can afford a car or is capable of driving.

The problem with expanding roads and Highways is that there isn’t room to expand roads, and it does not lower the number of drivers it just adds more and that means more congestion also it increases noise and air pollution and takes away more trees and we have to address climate change. GDOT’s express lane projects do not reduce the number of drivers on roads. The most efficient way to get people around Metro Atlanta and the state is going to be on public transport such as MARTA.

 MARTA is way underfunded and will only improve if they get more operational funding. The state also needs to seek funding from more than just an increased county sales tax. A few ideas could be to split toll funding  between roads and public transport, have a multi county sales tax, or not  limiting gasoline sales tax to road projects.

We need to have MARTA expand to the far reaches of the area instead of separate transit systems for each county. Also, the Atlanta Regional Commission counties should collaborate on a single transit plan instead of proposing separate county by county plans.

Think about it, if Trains and buses were more frequent, faster, safer, efficient, and went where people need to go more people would ride. Think about New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C. and cities in Europe and Asia. They all have successful transit systems it is time to bring one to Atlanta.

Public Transit would also be better for Atlanta’s economy. Part of the reason so many companies relocate to Atlanta is to be near public transport. (NCR, Mercedes-Benz, State Farm, Norfolk Southern, etc.) If the state wants a booming economy, it is our job to provide the infrastructure for it. According to a report by the American Public Transportation Association, every dollar invested in public transportation generates approximately four dollars in economic returns.

The state not only needs to invest in MARTA but also needs to invest in Intercity Rail and High-Speed Rail. Imagine getting on a train in Atlanta and getting to Charlotte in just over 2 hours as opposed to the 4 hours it takes now. It would be so much easier than driving or flying.  We already have the world’s busiest airport due to our location in the country. If we served as an Aviation Hub and an Intercity/High-Speed Rail Hub, our booming economy could grow to be multiple times the success it is now.

Therefore, we kindly request the Georgia state government starts to Invest in and provide funding for MARTA and other intercity rail projects. This essential investment would not only improve transit services for millions of Georgians but also spur economic growth and job creation and bring back pre-pandemic riders. Join us in helping the Georgia state government to understand the importance of well-funded public transportation.

Sincerely, All of us signed below