A Truly Regional Transportation System in Atlanta

This is the fourth post in a series of posts this December that will chronicle the 25 things we would most like to see in Roswell. None of these are actually happening... at least in the way we'd like them to. Please enjoy and have a happy holidays!

So, I could go on an on about this one but we'll keep it short.  I'd like to see a truly regional transit system.  It's starting to look possible with all of the wrangling around the MARTA exclusion in HB277.  So, who knows?  Maybe this wish will come true.

Here's my idea.  Dismantle MARTA... Rename the whole thing Atlanta Regional Transit System... ARTSY for short..  

Tie the whole thing together with a theme around the arts and engage local business, schools, and citizens to participate.  I envision something similar to Art on the Beltline except on a MUCH larger scale.  Buses & Trains would be wrapped with artwork instead of advertisements.  Stations  stops would be uniquely artistic.  Local schools would have contests to design a bus, train or station and winners would actually get their designs put into use.

I think a rebranded, refocused regional system would do a lot to change the image/stigma of the current system and ridership would likely begin to increase relatively quickly.  However a strong TOD approach would be needed to bring the system up to date and make us competitive with other major metros in the US.  

image: Citizens for Progressive Transit