The speed of implementation and high cost have some Atlanta officials considering bus rapid transit (BRT).
Atlanta officials are considering a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line that would stretch from downtown into the city's suburbs. "MARTA plans to build a 13-mile BRT line along I-20 from Atlanta’s Five Points Station to Wesley Chapel Road in DeKalb County," David Wickert writes for The Atlanta Journal Constitution.
There's been debate about whether to invest resources in light rail instead, or if residents have appetite for transit extension at all. "Bus rapid transit lines are relatively cheap and can be built much faster than a new rail line," Wickert writes.
Regional Commissioner argues that traffic will eventually persuade residents to spend on transit: "Atlanta Regional Commission Chairman, Kerry Armstrong, said if Atlanta traffic isn’t bad enough yet, it’s getting there." Though, whether or not traffic can be calmed by public transit is itself a point of contention.
FULL STORY: Are fast buses the future of mass transit in Atlanta?
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Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
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A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
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The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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