MARTA Board OK's Rail over Buses for Beltline

The MARTA board of directors passed a resolution today approving the "Locally Preferred Alternative" of light rail and "steel wheel" technology over the cheaper but less impressive Bus Rapid Transit option.

The decision was made after four public meetings this fall showed a significant preference for something cleaner and more permanent than buses.The route specified in the Beltline resolution will go through the Inman Park-Reynoldstown station on the east line and work its way around downtown ending/starting at Lindbergh station (MARTA Headquarters) on the north line.

"Next the Locally Preferred Alternative will be submitted to the Atlanta Regional Commission and environmental impact assessment will be done. Financial and implementation plans will be developed, also." Mary Swint-GoDekalb.com (1/8/07-9:39pm)