If you missed last week’s open house events, MARTA still has an opportunity for riders to learn about the Clifton Corridor Transit Initiative. This week, the transit authority is hosting two virtual public meetings for residents to learn about and offer feedback on the proposed expansion project.
The expansion, which is a part of its larger 2040 program, will introduce a new transit line from MARTA’s existing Lindbergh station to its Avondale and Decatur stations. MARTA is studying 10 alternatives, including bus rapid transit and light rail transit along the Clifton Corridor, within Atlanta, unincorporated DeKalb County, and Decatur.
Key stops along the proposed route include Emory University, Emory University Hospital, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta — Egleston, and Atlanta VA Medical Center.
Last week, MARTA hosted two open houses aimed at sharing the latest updates and collecting feedback from attendees. Officials stated that the price of the project could range from $670 million to $860 million if bus rapid transit is supported, or $2.1 billion to $3.1 billion for light rail transit.
Here’s how you can get involved at this week’s meetings.
Meeting details
This week, there are two virtual public meetings:
Tuesday, July 19
Clifton Corridor Transit Initiative Virtual Public Meeting 1
11 a.m.
Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/mw5ptrff
Phone: (301) 715-8592
Meeting ID: 867 3481 5771
Passcode: 152636
Wednesday, July 20
Clifton Corridor Transit Initiative Virtual Public Meeting 2
6:30 p.m.
Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/mrwwaxrj
Phone: 301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 878 9279 8306
Passcode: 142898
Why it matters
Recent data shows that Black passengers make up almost 70% of MARTA’s overall ridership. With the proposed expansion to one of Georgia’s largest employment centers, the stakes will be high for Black residents who are looking for or may rely on alternative means of transportation.
Given the cost of the potential project, stakes will be high for riders, hospital and school employees, and residents.
