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Kirkwood Residents Protest MARTA Bus Route Changes

Community protest in Kirkwood against MARTA bus route changes.

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.