Why Is This Citizens Brigade Taking Over Atlanta's Bus Stops?

On November 8, voters in Atlanta overwhelmingly approved the most dramatic transportation expansion the Georgia capital has seen in decades. Over the next 40 years, extra sales tax revenue will fund $2.5 billion for a major rail and bus expansion by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, plus $300 million for improved regional pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. This big infusion stands to be transformative.

It also represents a somewhat improbable comeback for a transit-challenged region. Fast-growing Atlanta loves its cars, with some 80 percent of commuters driving solo. Voters soundly rejected a $8.5 billion sales tax proposal for regional transportation improvements back in 2012. With zero state subsidies for MARTA’s operations, and suburban residents historically unwilling to pitch in, Atlanta has long ranked at the bottom of per-capita transit spending among U.S. cities—and it shows, in years of MARTA service cuts, long wait times, and fraying infrastructure.