Fayette Chairman Smith: Build commuter rail down I-85

Tue, 03/11/2008 - 4:33pm
By: The Citizen

For years, the state’s leaders have argued about solving the region’s transportation woes. From a possible Outer Perimeter to bus-only lanes on the interstate highways, trial balloons have been floated and shot down.

But a new group that has been studying transportation issues for the last 18 months believes it a has a solution for the area.

The Transit Planning Board is composed of regional leaders, among them Fayette County Commission Chairman Jack Smith, who sits on the board.

“I think it’s important for Fayette’s residents to have access to reasonably available mass transit,” Smith said.

But access does not mean that Fayette residents will soon see busses or rail lines in the county anytime soon.

The organization’s Concept 3 plan shows a commuter rail line extending from downtown Atlanta to Senoia with a transit center in Peachtree City. The plan also shows bus routes in the county, but Smith is not in favor of either proposal.

Instead, Smith believes the focus should be more on rail and focusing on existing commuter patterns. For instance, Smith believes a rail line should run south down Interstate 85 with stops in Union City and Newnan.

“I think the existing plan relies too heavily on buses. We need to offer folks a better way,” he said.

Because of Fayette’s affluence, Smith believes the key for residents to use mass transit is the time factor.

“We have to show residents how this could save them some time. If they could drive to a park and ride lot in Newnan or Jonesboro and save time, they would use it,” he said.

Instead of using existing railroad right of ways for new tracks, Smith advocates looking at the commuter patterns and placing the rail lines there.

“It might be cheaper now to use those existing right of ways, but freight predictions show those lines are going to be even more travelled, and we could end up having to lose the use of those right of ways,” he said.

Smith knows he has an uphill fight but said the time is now to get the plan moving.

“It’s only going to get more expensive the longer we wait,” he added.

According to the group’s website,tpb,ga,gov, the organization is a joint venture between the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA). It is established through joint resolution of the governing boards of the three agencies.

The TPB was created as a result of the lack of a clear institutional and financing structure to expand transit in the Atlanta region. Its primary mission is the creation of a regional transit plan and subsequently a new regional source of funds to implement and operate the system.

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Submitted by SJR66 on Mon, 03/17/2008 - 1:07pm.

Does anyone realize how long the mass transit discussion has been going on in Fayette County? Ever since I was a kid. I grew up in the northwest part of the county and moved across the country fifteen years ago, and the attitudes/arguments have not changed at all. It used to be "crime" was a synonym for race. People who used the crime argument against mass transit just didn't want more minorities in the county. Looking at how my parents' neighborhood has changed (they still live in the house I grew up in), it looks like keeping mass transit out didn't keep out people of color who wanted a great environment for their kids.

Eventually, people will realize that if we want to stay out of conflicts in the Middle East, we'll have to lessen our dependence on oil both by reducing our usage and/or developing domestic sources. Increasing access to mass transit is one of the easiest ways to reduce our use of oil.

Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Mon, 03/17/2008 - 1:52pm.

For some reason or another I like the bike riding "thingy" better. Smiling
-------------------------------------------
Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


Submitted by skyspy on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 10:55pm.

Did Fayette county all of a sudden move further away from Atlanta? When people moved here were they not capable of looking at a map to see how far the drive would be? I did look at a map, and that is why I moved here. I knew it would be an hour drive, that is why most people moved here to begin with. We wanted to be in a quiet "bedroom" community. That was the point of paying extra for a home to be in a quiet safe place.

It only takes me about 45mins. to an hour to get to Buckhead. I usually don't go over 80mph either.

Is the marta station at the airport too much of a "burden" to get too?

Sorry I was already in the south when clayton county got the "gifts" of mass transit and district voting. Tell someone who will believe the story that this is "good".

There are plenty of homes for sale in Morningside, and Decatur if you want to be close to work. The city of Decatur has great schools also. They usually do better than Fayette county schools on test scores.

If we don't learn from history we are DOOMED to repeat it.

Submitted by oldbeachbear on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 8:10pm.

You have to understand something...unless you work ..very..close to one of the stops on Marta, you're gonna have to either have another car on the other end or take a bus.

When I lived in Dekalb, the buses clogged the roads, there was no area for them to pull over so they stopped right in the middle of the far right lane, causing traffic to come to a dead stop. They also let them use diesel or something smokey, that made sitting behind them make you want to puke. They clogged traffic rather than make it less. They have just never got it together, and probably never will!

Yes, I think there needs to be something to help with the traffic, but MARTA is a very poor planned deal and that is one reason it has never caught on. There are big cities where mass transit works, Atlanta is not one of them...it is a poor excuse here and more of a hindrance than a help.

Robert W. Morgan's picture
Submitted by Robert W. Morgan on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 4:51am.

You said “I think it’s important for Fayette’s residents to have access to reasonably available mass transit,”

I think it is important that we DON'T have that access. We are fine without it and those that want to can carpool or ride in a van. We are what we are because we are not touched by Marta or the interstate - two things tat provide the criminal element access to the county and a way to flee their crimes. Rail, I submit is the same thing.

True, it will be easy to put lipstick on this pig by conjering up images of commuting lawyers in 3-piece suits carrying briefcases, but the reality would be much different.

Leave it alone, it is an idea that won't go anywhere on its own. Use the money for something we really need - like a performing arts center or a baseball stadium for a minor league team.


Submitted by oldbeachbear on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 8:16pm.

I can no more see anyone in the 3 piece suit taking it here, than I can someone making a get a way from a bank robbery! If I was gonna rob a store, the last thing you would catch my butt doing is waiting for a buss to get me to MARTA!

If you have all the time in the world, please take MARTA. If you want a better way to get to work, this ain't it.

Submitted by lion on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 5:10pm.

Well here we go again.

Whenever it is proposed that Fayette County adopt some form of mass transit to Atlanta all the fear mongers come out.

Mass transit to Atlanta would be a boon to Fayette County residents, many of whom work in Atlanta.

Mass transit does not equal crime. To think that is the case is just ignorance and racism. Pure and simple.

I commute every work day by driving to College Park and taking Marta into mid-town. Works pretty good. Why not have the Marta station closer to P{TC?

Sooner or later PTC and Fayette County will join the larger Atlanta world.

Main Stream's picture
Submitted by Main Stream on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 4:46pm.

Stop shaking in your boots and catch up to the modern, transportation world. Fayette County has to do something to alleviate its current, and future, commuting problems. Some of us HAVE to commute to Atlanta for work.

Do you really believe things like District Voting and Mass Transit will bring the 'wrong element' into Fayette County.

What exactly are you trying to say?


NUK_1's picture
Submitted by NUK_1 on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 8:31am.

Taking your assumption that mass transit=more crime, how does that affect Fayette county one iota if there is rail in Union City or Newnan? They ain't part of Fayette County that I know of. Someone is going to take a train to Abandon Mall in Union city so they can come over to PTC and rob someone? I don't think so.

"Having access" and having it located in the middle of the county are two distinct ideas and I don't see Smith saying he wants a rail station in Fayette.

Everyone gripes(rightfully) about the massive gridlock in the greater Atlanta area that is now growing even wider each passing year and will never get better left as is. Gas/oil prices are rising and $4 is right around the corner. Emissions. Wear and tear on vehicles. Rail and really any form of mass transit seems to work well in other cities and entire countries, so why not? I think a lot of people who sit aimlessly at 74/85 every workday so they can then sit in total gridlock getting to Atlanta or beyond would give it a try.

DON'T TASE ME, BRO!!!


yardman5508's picture
Submitted by yardman5508 on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 4:14pm.

the thought of some guy checking out the train/bus schedule before robbing that convenience store is ludicrous. And then our mythical master criminal has probably got to wait for a transfer on the I-85 corridor and again at the nearest MARTA station to flee to the sanctuary of downtown Atlanta. And for every criminal genius there will be probably what, 50 commuters that save money, energy, and Zantac taking the commuter system? Sounds like a viable option to me. Keep the peace.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.


bad_ptc's picture
Submitted by bad_ptc on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 5:10pm.

is, by the time you can drive from PTC to Union City or Newnan, they're already 1/2 the way to work in downtown Atlanta, time-wise.

From Union City to the MARTA at Camp Creek is about another 10 min. driving time.

Send the light rail down through the non-industrial center in PTC.
Buy up some of the NON-occupied buildings and build a parking lot. Charge all out of county tags a $2.00 parking fee. Now the city is actually making enough money to pay for the Logsdon legacy tennis center and the Lennox Police station and we don't have to build another Wal-Mart.

PTC is talking about Police substations, where's there's a good place for one.

Tell you what, if I see a guy waiting for the 'COMMUTER' train with a 50" plasma in his hands, I'll call a cop. Right after I stop laughing.

Face it people, from 1990 to 2008 the population if the Atlanta metro area has increased by some 3,000,000 people. During that same time period, no major road/highway improvements have happened on the west side of Fayette County. In other words the roads/highways are 30 years behind the times and the state of Georgia is $12,000,000,000 short on funds.

Oh, I almost forgot, property values will INCREASE!


Hoosier Fan's picture
Submitted by Hoosier Fan on Wed, 03/12/2008 - 9:33am.

I think Jack Smith has a pretty good idea. Running a heavy rail commuter line down the current CSX right of way could be a problem as freight traffic continues to increase down that corridor. When push comes to shove, passenger traffic always loses the battle with freight traffic for shared access to heavy rail corridors.

A light rail alternative, similar to Los Angeles' Gold Line, that would run down the I-85 corridor could be an excellent solution. Light rail is typically less expensive per mile than heavy rail alternatives.

I would advocate Park & Ride stops in Newnan at SR16 and SR34, a Palmetto / Sharpsburg stop at SR 154, Fairburn at SR74, Union City at Flat Shoals, and at Hartsfield Airport before continuing into Atlanta on current MARTA lines.


mudcat's picture
Submitted by mudcat on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 7:09pm.

Used to commute on one of those up north and it was wonderful - coffee, newspaper, no stress.

Need secured parking for commuters cars or else the predators will break in or steal them. Up north we had kiss and ride, but nowdays everyone is too absorbed in their social or business life to give the spouse a ride twice a day.

Anyhow, a great idea - go for it, Jack!


AF A-10's picture
Submitted by AF A-10 on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 5:11pm.

Has anyone seen how horrible the Perimeter Center area is? Has anyone noticed groups of people on Marta rail and busses with pillow cases full of silver candle holders and fine china? Do we all not understand that criminals already know we are here and they have cars? Let's not become scared of our shadows. My sister lives in suburban Raleigh, NC, and her next door neighbor was broken into mid day; by neighboring kids. And they have no form of mass transit. Let's not avoid solutions to our traffic and energy problem with unfounded paranoia.

Kevin "Hack" King


Denise Conner's picture
Submitted by Denise Conner on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 4:41am.

You can decide for yourself about the relationship.


GO HERE for MARTA Crime Stats.

Rail transportation and the parking lots don't look like they're nearly as safe as the Pavilion, and I doubt that you can carry any form of protection (weapon, that is) either.


sniffles5's picture
Submitted by sniffles5 on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 11:18am.

A little perspective might be in order, Denise!

You bray about the 400 to 500 or so crimes committed on Marta....did you happen to notice the ridership?

147,500,000 passenger boardings per year
~500 crimes per year

LINK


yardman5508's picture
Submitted by yardman5508 on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 7:28am.

and all of these crimes, so richly recorded, happened at the North Pointe station? Five Points? Fort Mac? East Pernt? You really have told us nothing about the impact of "MARTA crime" on the metro area as a whole. You are going to have to do better than that, Denise. Keep the faith.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.


Denise Conner's picture
Submitted by Denise Conner on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 11:06am.

You did say that you're NO LONGER a teacher, right?

Explain, if you're able, exactly how the statistics "tell us nothing about the impact of 'MARTA crime' on the metro area as a whole." 493 crimes for FY '07 (down from 605 in FY '04), including 74 aggravated assaults and 249 larcenies and 65 auto thefts, should make anyone with any common sense be more wary in the stations and parking lots.

"MARTA Police urges riders to be attentive to their property. Many Part I Crimes that are reported are Larcenies. For example, theft of personal property (i.e. cell phones, luggage, laptops, bags, etc.)" [not "pillow cases full of silver candle holders and fine china" as Hack said]

Go to the link; delete the /comparison.htm part; then you will have the crime by 4 precincts.

http://www.itsmarta.com/police/crime_stats/comparison.htm

They're not MY statistics; that's the way MARTA lists them. They probably were VERY "so richly recorded," i.e., costing LOTS of tax $$$$ for little results. And you Dems want MORE of the same. Puzzled

I probably can find more about crime & MARTA later. I'm usually able "to do better." How about you? Eye-wink

________________________

8-week fetus ("young one") -- Only 30-32 more weeks to go!

“Women who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy also deserve unplanned joy.” (Feminists for Life)


AF A-10's picture
Submitted by AF A-10 on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 4:50pm.

We just ate at Cracker Barrel. There was a big sign that said "please do not leave valuables unattended" in their parking lot. Cracker Barrels bring crime! Six Flags has the same warning in their parking lot. Six Flags brings crime. Why did we ever bring Cracker Barrel and Six Flags to Atlanta? They have brought us crime and therefore are bad.

Kevin "Hack" King


yardman5508's picture
Submitted by yardman5508 on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 11:28am.

focus here. You have inundated us with your MARTA crime statistics, but you haven't told us how this relates to metro crime in general. You have told us nothing. I will give you an example. In the Central District, reported crimes rose from 128 in 04 to 150 in 07. How does that relate to the surrounding neighborhoods within the Central District. Did the number of reported crimes within the area double over the four year span? If so, then the MARTA stations in the Central District are actually SAFER places than the surrounding communities as their crime rates rose rather slowly in comparison. What we "Dems" want is cause and effect statistics, not just a bunch of numbers thrown out the with "See, we told you" statments based on incomplete or "non-germane" data. I am ready to listen, if you are ready to stick to the subject. Keep the faith.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.


Denise Conner's picture
Submitted by Denise Conner on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 1:42pm.

FOCUS on what I said: "You can decide for yourself about the relationship." Do the research yourself instead of DEPENDING on me to THINK for you.

But since you're the one for CHANGE, I HOPE that you present evidence (not MARTA propaganda) that MARTA is beneficial to a community, crime rates do not increase, property values do not decrease....

A few questions: Where do the CRIMINALS (the ones stealing cars, computers, etc., raping, assaulting, etc.) come from? Do they choose to live near the source of their "income," i.e, MARTA rail stations? Do they still use the elevators for urinals?

"Then the MARTA stations in the Central District are actually SAFER places than the surrounding communities."

Maybe it's because there is more security, with guards at the scene, and the area is more contained. Yet, even with those features, aggravated assaults and car thefts still happen.

Something to ponder: WHY would the crime DOUBLE within the surrounding community? Puzzled

If READING a FEW numbers equates to "inundating," then mowing yards is likely a more beneficial occupation.


BPR's picture
Submitted by BPR on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 1:58pm.

If you are not a Christian you won't get this. So, don't give me tons of questions, I suggest get the bible and read it.

Christians are not perfect we are forgiven.Smiling

Last time I saw the "Church Lady" she was on "Saturday Night Live".

_______________________________
We Will Stand


Main Stream's picture
Submitted by Main Stream on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 2:08pm.

"Christians are not perfect we are forgiven."

I guess this is why those upstanding 'men of the cloth' can continue to molest and sexually assault children... because they are forgiven.

uh, okay....


hutch866's picture
Submitted by hutch866 on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 2:33pm.

Do you really think those "men of the cloth" are really Christians? Maybe about as much as the Gov. of NY state was a crime fighter.

I yam what I yam....Popeye


BPR's picture
Submitted by BPR on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 2:12pm.

You have to be Christian to understand it.Smiling

Have a nice day.

______________________________
We Will Stand


Main Stream's picture
Submitted by Main Stream on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 1:47pm.

"If READING a FEW numbers equates to "inundating," then mowing yards is likely a more beneficial occupation."

gosh denise.... That's NOT a very 'christiany' thing to say.

Feeling grumpy again?


Denise Conner's picture
Submitted by Denise Conner on Tue, 03/18/2008 - 5:59am.

whether or not something's "very 'christiany.'" Puzzled

Feeling CRABBY again? Laughing out loud


yardman5508's picture
Submitted by yardman5508 on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 1:53pm.

I had to go back up to the top and realize that the thread is about commuter rail and getting cars off the road, not crime {an entirely separate problem}. As for Denise, her credibility has been severely compromised since she has not been able to justify her beliefs with the "Golden Rule" she so devoutly espouses. As a famous professor once said.."She passes me by like the idle breezes". Keep the faith.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.


Denise Conner's picture
Submitted by Denise Conner on Fri, 03/21/2008 - 4:59am.

I'm still waiting for some answers to my questions, ones that appeal to reason and not emotion (to quote you).

Again I ask, exactly which beliefs of mine am I required to "justify" to you so that they pass your judgment as being consistent with the Golden Rule, and when have I "devoutly espoused" the Golden Rule to you (or someone else)?

You never gave me examples of your claim:

"What I notice, sniff, is the way Denise always slips away when the discussion gets down to factual information that she cannot refute with invective and opinion. Only to appear later as if the entire thing never happened." Puzzled

I'd like some "factual information," please, but I'd welcome your opinions also (just not a deluge of cut & paste).

BTW, which "tenets of conservatism" do you find to be "incompatible with Christianity"? Are there any that are compatible with Christianity?

I'll be away for a while ... so that you won't accuse me of "slipping away." I wouldn't want my credibility "severely compromised" any more than you already imagine it to be. Enjoy the breezes.


Denise Conner's picture
Submitted by Denise Conner on Tue, 03/18/2008 - 5:55am.

I wonder if your credibility has been "severely compromised" by the following:


Yardman “applauds” Sniffles’ statements:

“In short, I cannot think of any particular tenet of conservatism that I agree with” and “As a Christian, I find the basic tenets of conservatism to be incompatible with Christianity.”


“River already said that the tornadoes were sent to rid Atlanta of gays (I think 'queers' was the term he used).”

River didn't say that at all. Who are you talking about? Did his saying that he's an independent (although he has many Dem views) annoy you? Maybe you should try some of $$$$'s meds. Puzzled

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"I had to go back up to the top and realize that the thread is about commuter rail and getting cars off the road, not crime {an entirely separate problem}."

What are you now, the Blog Monitor? Eye-wink

Better brush up on your READING SKILLS because there were 5 other posts on Thurs., 03/13/2008, BEFORE my Fri, 03/14/2008, reply to Hack's "Crime and mass transit."

• Robert W. Morgan: We are what we are because we are not touched by Marta or the interstate - two things tat provide the criminal element access to the county and a way to flee their crimes.

• lion: Mass transit does not equal crime. To think that is the case is just ignorance and racism.

yardman5508: The thought of some guy checking out the train/bus schedule before robbing that convenience store is ludicrous. Shocked

• mudcat: Need secured parking for commuters cars or else the predators will break in or steal them.

Should your little goof affect your credibility? Puzzled

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

I'll look for your "Golden Rule" reference and answer later. Care to give me a hint about what you're talking about?

Why do you put Golden Rule inside quotation marks?

• Was it to signal that the words are not being used in their current commonly accepted sense?

• Was it to distance yourself from the terminology in question so as not to be associated with it or to indicate that it is one that you do not necessarily agree with?

• Were you attempting to call attention to ironic or apologetic words, using quotation marks “to provoke a negative association for the phrase,” “or at least a suspicion about the appropriateness or full truth that might be presumed if the quotes were omitted” (i.e., a less direct way of calling me a hypocrite)?

• Would you use air quotes if you had the courage to ask me face-to-face about my so-called beliefs (which is what your use of quotation marks indicates)?

Do you try to live by all of Christ’s commands, or just “don’t judge” (unless you're talking to a conservative, then judge, judge, judge) and the Golden Rule filtered through the social “gospel”? Do you practice the Golden Rule, with Dems, I mean, because I haven't noticed it much here? Do you "devoutly espouse" anything but the Dem Party line?

Since you like to ask me questions, I thought I’d ask you some, but I won’t hold my breath waiting for you to answer. Is being a liberal "merely an excuse to avoid answering tough questions"?

BTW, I’m still waiting for your answers to my questions in my post "Yardman, are you OK?” and the ones in this thread ("Yardman, you tell us"). Eye-wink


Main Stream's picture
Submitted by Main Stream on Fri, 03/14/2008 - 2:42pm.

It's her typical M.O. to start throwing out personal attacks when her back is to the wall. She is posting at the level of a 12 year old when she shifts into 'personal attack' mode.

It's also an indication that you've hit a nerve!

Good job, yard!


Denise Conner's picture
Submitted by Denise Conner on Tue, 03/18/2008 - 6:13am.

Ms Extreme's "guttural level of hate and venom"

Dense-ise - you're just sounding ridiculous at this point

Your posts are getting more and more... uh.... retarded, for lack of a better word. And regarding age, your post sounds like it was written by a 12 year old. Grow up please.

Hack - they love to stereotype, don't they...

Hairy-legged women who shop at Lane Bryant (actually, it sounds like
the typical Fayette County, card-carrying Republican women I see ranting at the PTO meetings or riding in the scooters through the aisles at Wal-Mart).

_________________________

The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is. ~ Winston Churchill


Main Stream's picture
Submitted by Main Stream on Tue, 03/18/2008 - 7:06am.

We're all scratching our heads a bit, dense-ise, as to why you regurgitate OUR old posts when answering for yourself? Cat got your tongue? No original thought?

(btw...thanks for the walk down memory lane... I love those posts!)


Denise Conner's picture
Submitted by Denise Conner on Tue, 03/18/2008 - 8:55pm.

"When the past no longer illuminates the future, the spirit walks in darkness." ~ Alexis de Tocqueville

I wouldn't want you to forget, but don't scratch your head too much. You might end up like a few other bloggers on here. Do you bike? Laughing out loud

Don't need Tums. I'm not the one with digestive or anger problems. Eye-wink

And I wouldn't let a cat who thinks she's a lion get too close. Might have rabies. Laughing out loud

____________________________

8-week fetus ("young one") -- Only 30-32 more weeks to go!

“Women who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy also deserve unplanned joy.” (Feminists for Life)


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