News Summary
Residents of Kirkwood are expressing significant concerns over MARTA’s proposal to eliminate Bus Route 24, which plays a crucial role in connecting the community to essential resources. The Kirkwood Neighbors Organization is rallying for improved transit solutions that prioritize local access, advocating for alternatives to the proposed changes. Public engagement sessions are underway as community members seek to maintain connectivity and transportation reliability in the area.
Kirkwood Residents Rally Against MARTA’s Bus Route Changes
In the charming neighborhood of Kirkwood, excitement in the air turns to concern as a recent proposal from MARTA threatens to shake things up. The transportation agency is pushing to eliminate Bus Route 24 as part of its ambitious bus network redesign aimed at making public transit smarter, faster, and better for riders. However, the proposed changes have sparked quite the debate in the community.
What’s at Stake?
Bus Route 24 currently serves the area by connecting the Edgewood Candler Park station through Kirkwood and making its final stop at the Indian Creek Station. With the route’s potential elimination, the Kirkwood Neighbors Organization (KNO) raises alarms about the risk of isolating the local business district. The group’s president noted that losing this route could sever essential connections to vital community resources, including the Kirkwood Library, Zone 6 police precinct, and the Atlanta-DeKalb Human Services complex.
Low Ridership vs. Community Needs
MARTA has justified this cut by pointing to the route’s low ridership numbers. But here’s where the rubber meets the road: while some residents would still have access to transit services within a half-mile—thanks to Route 21 on Memorial Drive and Route 34 on 2nd Avenue—there are concerns about how far people will have to walk to catch a bus, particularly for those who aren’t fortunate enough to live within walking distance of the nearby East Lake station.
A Push for Better Alternatives
The KNO isn’t simply waving a flag of protest; they are suggesting real revisions to the plan. They have formally requested MARTA to revisit its proposal, highlighting the community’s need for solutions that don’t cut off access to essential services. Additionally, they’re advocating for maintaining 20-minute headways on Route 21, instead of the proposed 30-minute wait time. It’s no wonder residents are passionate about protecting their community’s connectivity!
Missing the Mark on Coverage
Another significant concern is that the elimination of Route 24 would replace direct service to major commercial centers with a cumbersome bus-train-bus transfer via Route 34, leading to unnecessary delays and frustrations. To top it all off, the KNO pointed out that there wouldn’t be any on-demand zones within Kirkwood to make up for lost bus service, leaving many residents feeling stranded.
Community Support for Public Transit
Despite the concerns, it’s evident that Kirkwood residents are strong advocates of MARTA. In fact, a hefty 81% supported the 2016 More MARTA sales tax referendum aimed at expanding transportation services across the region. The local neighborhood festival even promotes usage of Route 24 to help alleviate traffic and parking problems—a sign that community members see the value in their public transit options.
What’s Next?
MARTA is not ignoring the outpouring of concerns. The agency has committed to evaluating the suggested alternatives from the community. Public engagement sessions and online surveys will ensure that the voices of Kirkwood residents are heard loud and clear. The draft plan is currently available for feedback and will be finalized for presentation to the MARTA Board this summer, with hopes of implementation later this year.
As Kirkwood residents express their heartfelt opinions on these crucial public transit changes, the spirit of community engagement shines bright. They’re not just taking a back seat; they’re gearing up to drive the conversation about their beloved bus routes. After all, good public transit is essential for vibrant communities, and Kirkwood is ready to show how invested they are in their transport options.
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Additional Resources
- Decaturish: Kirkwood Neighbors Organization Pushes Back on Proposed Bus Route Changes
- WSB TV: Person Found Shot Near East Lake MARTA Station
- Atlanta News First: Person Shot Off College Avenue Near East Lake MARTA Station
- Sopart Report: I Voted for More MARTA, Not Less MARTA
- Decaturish: Person Shot Off College Avenue Near East Lake MARTA Station
- Wikipedia: MARTA
- Google Search: MARTA Bus Route Changes
- Google Scholar: MARTA Transportation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MARTA
- Google News: Kirkwood Transit
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
