MARTA Officials and DeKalb County Stakeholders Take High-Capacity Transit Trip to San Diego, California

Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit and Transit-Oriented Development among trip highlights

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and DeKalb County, Georgia, recently participated in a transit exploration trip to San Diego where they experienced first-hand the city’s transit system and met with key decision makers to gain insight on how to successfully deliver high-capacity transit (HCT) to South DeKalb.

Over the course of three days, approximately 40 DeKalb County elected officials, employees, community members, stakeholders and MARTA personnel, learned how transit can be integrated into a community’s master or redevelopment plan and experience how San Diego’s Bus Rapid Transit and Light Rail Transit operate in a dedicated guideway.

Hosted by the San Diego Association of Governments, the trip also focused on potential challenges with funding and designing HCT, as well as how it can foster economic development and promote job creation.

The San Diego peer transit tour was first announced during an Aug. 17, DeKalb County special called Public Works & Infrastructure (PWI) Committee meeting chaired by Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and was a continuation to the previous meeting’s discussion in which a presentation was given by consultant Grady Smith of VHB and the DeKalb County Law Department on the modes of mass transit available to DeKalb County. To view the presentation given during the meeting, click here.

“DeKalb has the opportunity to seek federal funding for mass transit; however, we are required to have a local match,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “In order to be successful, we must work alongside our congressmen, senators and local municipalities to determine a funding mechanism. The San Diego trip was about both preparation and collaboration to devise a definitive course of action, and their leaders’ willingness to share what they have learned and the challenges they faced. The information we gained and how we apply it positions DeKalb for success.”

“Expanding transit options in DeKalb County would not only increase mobility for our residents, but it would also increase economic growth for the county overall,” stated Presiding Officer and Commissioner Robert Patrick. “The San Diego trip provided our delegation with some helpful insight into how various modes of transportation are interconnected to residential, commercial, and social development, and also, best practices and challenges of funding these projects. I am hopeful that the Board of Commissioners, MARTA, our elected representatives, and community stakeholders will reach a positive resolution to such an important issue that will further prepare our county for the future.”

Currently, MARTA has committed approximately $250 million in transit investments in DeKalb County as part of the Authority’s pledge outlined in the 15th Amendment. Additionally, a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been presented by the PWI Committee, creating a Transit Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee to engage and recommend potential funding mechanisms and modes of transportation for adoption by the Board of Commissioners. To view the MOU presented during the meeting, click here.

“It was clear that everyone who attended was passionate about actively supporting the commitment to transit excellence in DeKalb County,” said MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “A lot has happened since the MARTA Board adopted the 2012 locally preferred alternative for heavy rail. MARTA is committed to updating the locally preferred alternative along with a supporting the development of a funding plan that can finally deliver.”

"After seeing the tremendous positive impact expanded public transit had on San Diego, it's clear that is the starting point to truly impact quality of life," added Commissioner Ted Terry. "Expanded bus routes, new light rail lines - whatever the improvement - it all leads to better access to education and healthcare, more affordable housing, job growth, positive economic development and so much more. San Diego is a model we should look to as we work to expand and enhance MARTAs offerings, connecting our communities every step of the way."

Next steps in delivering HCT to South DeKalb will be discussed on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 2:00 p.m., during a special called PWI Committee meeting. Residents are encouraged to tune in and can access the live feed of the meeting by clicking here.

For more information on DeKalb County’s Master Transit Plan, click here.

For media coverage or to schedule an interview with Commissioner Cochran-Johnson, Email amslocum@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 470-547-2696.