Transit use in metro Atlanta and across the country is declining – a phenomenon fueled by the rise of telecommuting, ride-hailing services and other factors. The number of passenger trips on MARTA trains and buses fell 22 percent over the last decade, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis of federal transit data found.
Even as their customer base shrinks, MARTA and other local transit agencies are planning what critics say is an ill-advised building boom. Critics say it makes no sense to build expensive transit lines when fewer people are using them. Supporters say more transit is needed to address metro Atlanta’s awful traffic congestion.
MARTA plans to build 21 miles of light rail and 18 miles of bus rapid transit lines. Gwinnett County may extend MARTA rail service to Norcross. Fulton, Cobb and DeKalb counties also are mulling transit expansions.
Read the complete article at https://www.myajc.com/news/local-govt--politics/atlanta-gambles-marta-expansion-amid-declining-transit-use/df7NwwbopQmkuueHHJm40I/
