MARTA Holds Open House for Clayton County’s First Bus Rapid Transit Project
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is extending an invitation to Clayton County residents and stakeholders to attend an open house on March 28 at Southern Regional Medical Center. The event, set to commence at 6:30 p.m., aims to introduce the county’s inaugural bus rapid transit project and gather community input, particularly on a potential new route directly connecting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Dubbed MARTA Rapid, the project represents the authority’s pioneering venture into bus rapid transit within the region. This system entails high-capacity buses operating in dedicated right-of-way and mixed traffic lanes on existing roads. The proposed MARTA Rapid Southlake route spans approximately 15 miles, with planned connections to key locales such as Southlake Mall, the Shops of Riverdale, Southern Regional Medical Center, and College Park Station. Equipped with rail-like stations boasting off-board fare payment, seating, and digital signage, the project aims to elevate transit experiences for residents and commuters alike.
“We are thrilled by the progress of Rapid Southlake, a dynamic project that will provide generational impacts for those living, working, or traveling in Clayton County,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “Additionally, we see this possible direct connection to the airport’s Domestic Terminal as an opportunity to provide improved access to thousands of airport-related jobs and strengthen the project’s federal funding competitiveness.”
The open house, scheduled to run until 8 p.m., will provide attendees with the chance to share feedback on the proposed airport connection alternative and delve into MARTA’s substantial transit investments in Clayton County. The event will be held at the Southern Regional Medical Center’s Educational Center, located at 11 Upper Riverdale Road, Riverdale, Ga. 30274. MARTA Route 196 offers convenient access to the venue, with just a 5-minute walk from the nearest stop.
To learn more about MARTA’s Rapid Southlake project and to join the project mailing list, visit www.connectclayton.com/southlake-bus-rapid-transit.
