Atlanta Mayor Dickens announces locations of new MARTA stations

Credit: Rough Draft Atlanta

Mayor Andre Dickens revealed Thursday the locations of the planned new MARTA rail stations he announced last month during his State of the City address.

But how to pay for them is still to be determined.

Dickens said at his State of the City where one MARTA rail station would be built — at the redevelopment of Murphy Crossing in southwest Atlanta. The new station would be the first to link MARTA heavy rail to the Atlanta BeltLine.

In an administrative order issued today, Dickens unveiled where the three other planned infill stations — those built between existing stations — would be located. 

They sites are at Krog Street/Hulsey Yard between King Memorial and Inman Park/Reynoldstown, Joseph E. Boone between Ashby and Bankhead, and Armour Yards in Buckhead, between Arts Center and Lindbergh.

Caption

A rendering of the redevelopment of Murphy Crossing where a new MARTA rail station is planned.

Credit: Photo courtesy MARTA

The order also includes plans for a bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor to connect the redeveloped Bowen Homes community with Ponce City Market.

The mayor also wants the city, Atlanta BeltLine Inc. and MARTA to work together to “develop a plan for mobility and transit options on the entirety of the BeltLine.”

Dickens also directs the city and ABI to collaborate with MARTA to develop the design and financing plan for the new stations and BRT corridor. 

This includes finding funding sources such as local, state and private revenue “to support the planning process and to identify potential public/private partnership opportunities for any and all MARTA stations,” the order says.

The importance of aligning public investment with transportation equity is crucial in enhancing the quality of life for all Atlantans as the city continues to grow, the mayor said. The order includes the directive for the city, ABI and MARTA work together to “deliver equitable transportation projects across Atlanta.”

“Both legacy and emerging communities have immediate transportation needs that deserve effective solutions,” Dickens said in a news release.

“It is imperative that our transportation investments are strategically and equitably deployed to increase ridership on MARTA’s heavy rail network and bus system fostering a more connected and unified Atlanta,” he said.

Atlanta City Councilmember Byron Amos, who represents District 3 and is a chair of the transportation committee, praised Dickens’ announcement to enhance the city’s transportation infrastructure.

“Among these stations, I am particularly ecstatic that the residents of District 3 will be benefiting from one, the proposed Joseph E. Boone station,” Amos said in a news release.

“This investment improves connectivity and fosters economic growth and community development,” he said. “Together, let’s continue prioritizing progress and accessibility for all citizens.”

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Rough Draft Atlanta.