So, Atlanta is set to begin contruction on a new streetcar system that will basically go everywhere that MARTA goes already. This new transportation system will take mainly tourist to the main attractions throughout the city which are the district that includes the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park and the future Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the King Center. The 2.6 route will beginning on the west end of the loop at Centennial Olympic Park, the modern, electric-powered streetcar will run along Luckie Street past the Tabernacle and Woodruff Park, then along Edgewood Avenue. It will then turn left onto Jackson Street, left on historic Auburn Avenue, and head back west.
Naturally, I had to ask why not put this $72 million into MARTA versus to this purely cosmetic streetcar venture? Especially, when MARTA has been begging for monies for the past few years. The Metro Atlanta citizens that are being hit very hard by MARTA's budget cuts and fare increases are not being considered in this new venture that the city has taken. Oh, by the way, did I mention that this new streetcar system will be run by MARTA itself. The single ride fare for the streetcar will be $3 which is compatible with the MARTA Breezecard.
The justification that the City of Atlanta uses for putting federal funds into a meaningless venture is the potential for new jobs and community leaders say the line could help reconnect downtown and Sweet Auburn, a link that was severed when the interstate was constructed. While MARTA has been crying financial distress and putting the burden on its patrons, is the streetcar a smart decision?
