What Does Transit Equity Look Like in Atlanta?
This weekend as we observe National Transit Equity Day in honor of Rosa Parks’s birthday, we are reminded of her fight for transit equity as a civil right. This parallels our gratitude for Mayor Andre Dickens’s proactive and rational leadership in regard to transit and transit equity. We ask you to take a moment to thank Mayor Dickens too.
With MARTA’s recent completion of 30% engineering on the Eastside Streetcar, we are one step closer to having the quality transit we need: transit that will deliver equity as it brings more connectivity to many of the 96% of Atlantans who currently do not live within walking distance of frequent public transportation. Connecting the existing MARTA system with the amenities along the Eastside Trail corridor gives so many people opportunities for employment and recreation.
Transportation is the second largest personal expense after housing, and Atlanta suffers from the greatest economic disparity in the nation. Requiring car ownership in order to take full advantage of the economic opportunities existing in Atlanta is a tax on our low-income residents. Estimated annual car ownership costs on average range from $8,000 to $12,000, which is not affordable for a number of Atlantans.
Two decades ago when the people of Atlanta set out on this reparative journey to build BeltLine rail together, equity was front and center. It’s been a struggle to maintain that focus and determination. But we must. Together we can tear down barriers to opportunity and move closer to becoming one united community.
So this weekend, please ride MARTA in honor of Transit Equity Day!
BeltLine Rail Now is a grassroots advocacy organization that:
Educates, organizes, and mobilizes the people of Atlanta in support of the equitable and urgent delivery of light rail along the BeltLine.
Builds partnerships and demands accountability to aid MARTA and Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. in fulfilling the City of Atlanta’s commitment to the complete BeltLine vision.
Embraces the BeltLine rail loop as a world-class transit solution that will help fulfill Atlanta’s Commitment to civil rights by delivering a connected new way of living for everyone.
Further Reading:
“How Does BeltLine Transit Advance Equity” - Ryan Gravel
