Gwinnett County once again has a chance to vastly expand and improve its transit system. It has developed a bold project list of rail and bus projects. The ATL Authority works to ensure that any new transit projects in the metro Atlanta region help form a more cohesive and connected network, and it gave Gwinnett’s project list unanimous approval.
Some highlights of this list are:
- MARTA heavy rail extension from Doraville to a multimodal hub on Jimmy Carter Blvd
- 4 bus rapid transit routes, which will be high frequency and run dedicated bus lanes
- 7 rapid bus routes, which will be more frequent than local routes, and have priority at intersections
- 16 new local bus routes, and enhancements to the current 6
- Commuter bus routes connecting to Hall County and Athens
Gwinnett County has chosen the route of a 30-year 1% T-SPLOST to fund these projects. This is allowed under HB 930, the big transit bill Sierra Club helped pass in 2018, and Gwinnett will be the first county to take advantage of it. MARTA will still build and run the rail extension, but Gwinnett Transit will operate all the new and improved bus routes.
The end effect is still a 1% increase in sales tax, and the improved integration between all of our transit operators via the ATL Board will create a seamless rider experience. While we are disappointed that Gwinnett won’t be joining the MARTA family, we are optimistic that all of our regional operators will work together to create a more robust system for the Atlanta region.
This fall’s election is going to be historic in a number of ways, and we have an opportunity to massively expand transit, equity, and access. The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners will decide on Tuesday, July 21st, whether or not to put a transit referendum on the November ballot. We are confident that it will pass if placed on the ballot.
If you live in Gwinnett, then please contact your county commissioner and ask for a transit vote to be on November’s ballot. You can find who your commissioner is here, and everyone in the county is represented by Chairman Charlotte Nash.
Charlotte J. Nash, Chairman
770.822.7010
Charlotte.Nash@gwinnettcounty.com
Jace Brooks, District 1 (Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Duluth, and part of the Collins Hill)
770.822.7001
Jace.Brooks@gwinnettcounty.com
Ben Ku, District 2 (Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lake, Norcross, Tucker, and Lilburn)
770.822.7002
Ben.Ku@gwinnettcounty.com
Tommy Hunter, District 3 (Loganville, Snellville, Grayson, Dacula, Auburn)
770.822.7003
Tommy.Hunter@gwinnettcounty.com
Marlene M. Fosque, District 4 (Lawrenceville, Buford, and Rest Haven as well as parts of Braselton and Sugar Hill)
770.822.7004
Marlene.Fosque@gwinnettcounty.com
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Thanks for taking action. Stay informed about this project by following the Georgia Chapter’s R.A.I.L. Committee on Facebook and Twitter.
Tejas Kotak
Chair, Regional Action to Improve Livability (R.A.I.L.) Committee