Georgia’s ATL Authority Awarded $5.4 Million Federal Grant to Fund First Ever Xpress Electric Buses
Office of Communications & Engagement 245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Suite 2200 • Atlanta, GA 30303
Ericka B. Davis
Chief Communications Officer
o: 404-893-3033 | c: 404-226-9339 | [email protected]
Tiffany L. McCall
Communications and Media Relations Director
o: 404-893-3025 | c: 404-240-7531 | [email protected]
For Immediate Release: June 30, 2021
Georgia’s ATL Authority Awarded $5.4 Million Federal Grant to Fund First Ever Xpress Electric Buses
The 10 battery-electric commuter coaches to operate on routes connecting Clayton, Coweta, Fulton and Henry Counties to Downtown and Midtown Atlanta
ATLANTA — The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) was awarded $5.47 million in federal funding for 10 battery-electric commuter coaches and 11 chargers (which includes one maintenance facility charger) for the region’s Xpress Commuter Service. They are expected to initially operate on routes connecting Clayton, Coweta, Fulton, and Henry Counties to Downtown and Midtown Atlanta.
The funding was received through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) highly competitive Low-No Program which supports transit agencies in purchasing or leasing low- or no-emission buses and other transit vehicles that use technologies such as battery-electric and fuel-cell power to provide cleaner, more efficient transit service. This year’s funding opportunity prioritized applications with an environmental justice component as well as those with workforce development components to help transit workers succeed as their jobs change with new zero-emission technologies. The new electric (EV) coaches will be based out of Xpress’ South Operations Facility located in Clayton County and will replace 10 model year 2004 diesel buses. A portion of the federal grant will also support workforce development activities for Xpress, helping to ensure the Xpress operations and maintenance staff are well trained on battery electric bus systems.
“We are extremely pleased to have been selected as one of 49 projects awarded and greatly appreciate the support of our partners at the Federal Transit Administration and the efforts of the Georgia Congressional delegation in our receiving this transformative investment in our transit infrastructure”, said ATL Executive Director Chris Tomlinson. “The ATL was fortunate to also have the support of numerous state and local leaders, as well as the private sector.”
The ATL partnered with MCI, the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), and Atkins on the application. MCI manufactures the D45 CRTe LE (the only Federally tested/approved electric commuter coach currently on the market). CTE, the Atlanta based nonprofit, will provide project management, modeling, performance validation, and other technical assistance. Atkins will provide engineering services for infrastructure installation. The D45 CRTe LE Charge is a low-floor model bus that allows easier boarding and enhanced ADA accessibility for riders. The EV coaches are significantly quieter than their conventionally powered counterparts, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable rider experience.
“These electric coaches provide numerous benefits, including helping us improve fleet reliability, reducing our long-term maintenance needs, improving air quality, reducing noise pollution in the communities we serve, and eliminating the need for 87,000 gallons of fuel while reducing 901 tons of carbon emissions”, Tomlinson confirmed. “Moreover, these factors align with four of ATL’s Governing Principles: Environmental Sustainability, Equity, Innovation and Return on Investment – and ensures that our Xpress riders can continue to commute with confidence.”
In addition to this FTA Low-No award, the ATL has also partnered with Georgia Power through the company’s EV Make Ready Program to upgrade electrical infrastructure at Xpress’s South Ops facility. Infrastructure upgrades supported by the Make Ready Program are expected to support this initial 10 bus deployment while also facilitating future EV bus fleet expansions.
Xpress has 27 routes in 12 metro Atlanta counties that carry more than 1.8 million passenger trips annually to and from major employment centers in Downtown, Midtown, and Perimeter Center. Additional information is available at www.XpressGA.com to assist customers with selecting alternate transportation options. Customer service representatives are available Monday – Friday from 5:30 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. at 844-XPRSSGA (977-7742). Riders may also sign up for alerts by texting XPRESS to 888777.
About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority
The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
About the Xpress Transit System
The Xpress regional commuter transit system is operated by the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL). The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Board of Directors Committee Meetings Scheduled for July 1, 2021
Office of Communications & Engagement 245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Suite 2200 • Atlanta, GA 30303
Ericka B. Davis
Chief Communications Officer
o: 404-893-3033 | c: 404-226-9339 | [email protected]
Tiffany L. McCall
Communications and Media Relations Director
o: 404-893-3025 | c: 404-240-7531 | [email protected] For Immediate Release: June 24, 2021
Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Board of Directors Committee Meetings Scheduled for July 1, 2021, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority announces that it will hold its Board Committee Meetings on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. at 245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Marquis One, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303. The Xpress Operations Committee Meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m., and each subsequent committee meeting will begin as the previous meeting ends. To view the Committee agendas and options to connect remotely, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/the-atl-board/.
The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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Xpress Announces Construction Related Service Changes to Routes 490 Effective July 1, 2021
Xpress Announces Construction Related Service Changes to Routes 490 Effective July 1, 2021ATLANTA — The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) announced construction-related changes to its Xpress Commuter Services – Route 490. Currently, this route provides service to Downtown Atlanta from Canton and Woodstock. Effective Thursday, July 1, 2021, Xpress Route 490 will suspend current service from its Canton location. Xpress customers may continue to travel to Midtown and Downtown Atlanta via the route’s Woodstock location or Xpress routes 483, 484 and 485.In early March 2021, the City of Canton broke ground on a new Water Pollution Control Plant. The $70 million project is the largest municipal project in the city’s history. Construction is expected to be completed in 2024.Since the project was launched, a significant portion of the Xpress Park and Ride Lot used by Route 490 commuters has not been available for use. Following a review of the available space, Xpress reviewed options with city leaders and determined that suspension of the current location and use of alternate locations provided the preferred option.“The safety of our commuters and Xpress team members is our top priority,” said Chris Tomlinson, ATL Executive Director. “As Canton city leaders embark on this important infrastructure project, we are pleased that Xpress customers will continue to have convenient access to and from Atlanta from other routes and park-and-ride locations.”Xpress 490 customers may continue to use the Woodstock park and ride lot (550 Molly Lane – Woodstock). Customers will also have access to Downtown and Midtown Atlanta from two other convenient park and ride lots during the project’s construction period:
The Town Center Park-and-Ride Lot is located at 634 Big Shanty Road in Kennesaw. It services Route 483 which provides weekday (Monday – Friday) to Midtown Atlanta.
The Hickory Grove Park-and-Ride Lot is located at 2018 Hickory Grove Road in Acworth. From this location, Route 484 provides weekday (Monday – Friday) to Midtown Atlanta and Route 485 provides weekday service to Downtown Atlanta.
Xpress has 27 routes in 12 metro Atlanta counties that carry more than 1.8 million passenger trips annually to and from major employment centers in Downtown, Midtown, and Perimeter Center. Additional information is available at www.XpressGA.com to assist customers with selecting alternate transportation options. Customer service representatives are available Monday – Friday from 5:30 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. at 844-XPRSSGA (977-7742). Riders may also sign up for alerts by texting XPRESS to 888777.
About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. TheATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
About the Xpress Transit System The Xpress regional commuter transit system is operated by the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL). The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit.The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1,2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Board of Directors Meeting June 3, 2021
For Immediate Release:
May 27, 2021
Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Board of Directors Meeting Board Meeting Scheduled for June 3, 2021, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority announces that it will hold its Board Meeting on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. at 245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Marquis One, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303. The public will also have simultaneous access to the Board meeting via remote options due to the emergency conditions affecting public safety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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Notifying the Public of and Requesting Comment on Proposed Service Changes for Xpress Commuter Bus Service
In compliance with requirements, guidelines, and service standards outlined in its Title VI program, the Xpress Commuter Bus service managed by the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority (ATL) is considering proposed service changes to continue with the level of service currently being delivered. Comment is requested on the proposed service changes. The formal public comment period
begins on May 11, 2021 and concludes on June 11, 2021.
Additional information about the proposed service changes for Xpress commuter bus service may be found on the Xpress and ATL websites at https://www.xpressga.com or at the physical address below.
There will be an opportunity to present comments verbally at a public hearing taking place on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM, and 6:00PM until 8:00PM in the ATL Board Room on the 23rd floor of Marquis 1 Tower:
245 Peachtree Center Avenue, NE Suite 2300 Atlanta, GA 30303
The public hearing will follow CDC health guidelines, including social distancing, face covering recommendations, and making hand
sanitizer available.
Comments on the proposed service changes for Xpress commuter bus service may be submitted to:
ATL Title VI Program
245 Peachtree Center Avenue, NE
Suite 2200
Atlanta, GA 30303
By telephone:
(404) 893-2100
In person:
Public hearings are scheduled for:
Tuesday May 25th @ 245 Peachtree Center Ave, NE – 23rd Floor
12:00PM-2:00PM and 6:00PM-8:00PM
Persons wishing to comment orally may also email the applicable address above to schedule a call back from ATL staff so they may submit their comments.
Please contact ATL at (404) 893-2100 by May 18, 2021 with any request by a person with disabilities or other special needs who requires special assistance in order to participate in the public hearing, if information is needed in another language, or if interpretation is required at the public hearing.
Si la informaciónque se necesita enotro idioma, comuníquese con (404) 893-2100.
如果需要在另一种语言的信息，请联系 (404) 893-2100.
정보가다른언어로필요한경우 (404) 893-2100로문의바랍니다.
Nếu thông tin là cần thiết trongmột ngôn ngữkhác, sau đó liên lạc (404) 893-2100.
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Xpress to Offer Fare-Free Introductory Period for New Hickory Grove Park & Ride Lot Routes from May 3 – September 1, 2021 Fare-Free Promotion For Xpress Routes 484 and 485 Customers Only
For Immediate Release:
April 30, 2021
Xpress to Offer Fare-Free Introductory Period for New Hickory Grove Park & Ride Lot Routes from May 3 – September 1, 2021 Fare-Free Promotion For Xpress Routes 484 and 485 Customers Only
ATLANTA — Xpress commuter transit service will be offering a fare-free introductory period for
Xpress Routes 484 and 485 with the opening of its new Hickory Grove Park & Ride Lot located
at 2018 Hickory Grove Road NW, Acworth, GA 30102. The new lot and routes will service Bartow,
Cherokee and Cobb Counties beginning Monday, May 3, 2021. The fare-free introductory period
will begin with the first day of service and continue until September 1, 2021.
“We are so excited to launch our new routes and be able to provide our riders with a chance to
try the system fare- free for four months,” said Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority Executive
Director Chris Tomlinson. “We hope that it encourages more community members in Bartow,
Cherokee and Cobb to utilize the excellent service we provide reducing reliance on personal cars
while reducing traffic over the summer”.
The fare-free promotion will open access to more passengers and attract and engage new riders
who might not otherwise choose public transit as a means of mobility. The agency hopes that the
promotion will also result in long term ridership increases.
From April 2020 to August 2020, Xpress suspended fare collection for customers on all its
existing routes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Xpress operates 27 routes in 12 metro Atlanta counties that carry more than 1.8 million
passenger trips annually to and from major employment centers in Downtown, Midtown, and
Perimeter Center. Xpress riders are also able to take advantage of riding in the Express Lanes
for free.
About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
About the Xpress Transit System The Xpress regional commuter transit system is operated by the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL). The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Committee Meetings Meetings Via Teleconference
For Immediate Release:
May 3, 2021
Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold BoardCommittee Meetings Via Teleconference
Xpress Operations, Regional Transit Planning and Administrative Committee Meetings Scheduled for
May 6, 2021, Beginning at 8:30 a.m.
ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority announces that it will hold its Board of Directors Committee Meetings via teleconference on Thursday, May 6, 2021, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The Xpress Operations Committee meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m., and each subsequent committee meeting will begin as the previous meeting ends.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-14-1(g), the public will be afforded simultaneous access to all meetings via remote options due to the emergency conditions affecting public safety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meeting Schedule Xpress Operations Committee Regional Transit Planning Committee Administrative Committee Specially Called Board of Directors Meeting
About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority
The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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Xpress Opens Hickory Grove Park & Ride Lot with New Routes May 3rd
For Immediate Release:
April 22, 2021
Xpress Opens Hickory Grove Park & Ride Lot with New Routes May 3rd
New Routes Will Offer Convenient Transit Services to Midtown and Downtown Atlanta for Bartow, Cherokee and Cobb County Customers
ATLANTA–The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) announced the opening of its new Hickory Grove Park & Ride lot located at 2018 Hickory Grove Road NW, Acworth, GA 30102. The new lot will service two new Xpress routes beginning Monday, May 3, 2021.
Located just beyond the Northwest Corridor’s Sixes Road exit, the new Hickory Grove Park & Ride Lot features more than 500 parking spaces and numerous other customer-focused amenities.New Xpress Routes 484 and 485 will provide convenient, weekday transit services for Cobb, Cherokee and Bartow County customers to and from midtown and downtown Atlanta.
“The Xpress commuter service has a goal of providing transportation options that address capacity issues on Georgia’s most congested highways,” said Chris Tomlinson, ATL Executive Director.“The new Hickory Grove park and ride lot and routes will leverage the direct access and the mobility offered by the Northwest Corridor managed lanes. Xpress coaches will use these lanes free of charge, making service speedier and more reliable while saving travel time for transit users.
On April 30, 2021, ahead of the lot’s official opening, the ATL will host a ribbon cutting event. The event will be livestreamed to provide access to Xpress customers, transit advocates and supporters.Information regarding livestream access is available at www.xpressga.com.
Xpress has 29 routes in 12 metro Atlanta counties that carry more than 1.8 million passenger trips annually to and from major employment centers in Downtown, Midtown, and Perimeter Center.Customer service representatives will be available Monday –Friday from 5:30 A.M. –8:30 P.M. at 844-XPRSSGA (977-7742). Riders may also sign up for alerts by texting XPRESS to 888777.Additional information about Xpress and its services is available at www.xpressga.com.
Fast Facts: Hickory Grove Road Park & Ride Lot | Routes 484 and Route 485
Address: 1820 Hickory Grove Road | Acworth, GAXpress
Routes: Route 484 will offer weekday service to/from Midtown Atlanta and Route 485 will offer weekday service to/from Downtown Atlanta# of Bus Bays/
Shelters: Three with high reflective painted roofs
#of Benches: 4 Seating Benches and 6 Leaning Benches
#GeneralParkingSpaces: 522
#Handicapped Accessible Parking Spaces: 11
# of Spaces Reserved for Future EV Charging Stations: 4
Other amenities include Seven Call Boxes, Trash Cans, LED Lighting System, Impact Rated Bollards, Granite Curb Lines, Underground Storm Water Storage System and an Advertisement Box.
About the Xpress Transit System
The Xpress regional commuter transit system is operated by the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL). The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislative session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. Effective July 1, 2020, the ATL was legislatively authorized to oversee the state’s Xpress regional commuter transit system and the Atlanta region’s vanpool system. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add an additional 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For moreinformation on Xpress and the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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Notifying the public of and requesting comment on the Atlanta Urbanized Area (UZA) FTA Formula Funds Proposed Program of Projects
In compliance with requirements and guidelines outlined in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1B, and the Atlantaregion Transit Link Authority (ATL) Title VI Program, comment is requested on the Atlanta Urbanized Area (UZA) FTA Formula Funds
Program of Projects (POP). The formal public comment period begins April 23, 2021 and concludes May 24, 2021. Click here for more information.
ATL Board of Directors Approves 2020 ATL Regional Transit Plan (ARTP) and Submits Annual Report and Audit
For Immediate Release: December 4, 2020
ATL Board of Directors Approves 2020 ATL Regional Transit Plan (ARTP) and Submits Annual Report and Audit
ATLANTA – At its December 3, 2020 meeting,the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Board of Directors adopted the 2020 ATL Regional Transit Plan(ARTP).The ARTP received unanimous approval. The ATL Board also presented its 2020 Annual Report and Audit.
“The adoption of the ARTP is another forward step for mobility in our region. It reiterates transit’s role both as an essential service and an economic development driver,” said Charlie Sutlive, Board Chairman.
Originally presented in 2019, the ARTP synthesizes transit projects across the 13-county Atlanta region. The projects seeking federal or state funding driven by regional focus or data driven analysis are prioritized. The ARTP list is the primary source for transit projects to be considered by the ATL Board for inclusion in the federallyrequiredshort-range Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and long-range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The ARTP contains a list of transit projects from which the ATL Board may select and recommend to the state for potential state bond funding.
Key highlights about the 2020 ARTP’s Project List are as follows:
A total of 245 projects were submitted by localgovernments, transit operators, Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) and other project sponsors;
Projects were submitted across all 10 ATL Districts, covering 13 metro Atlanta area counties;
Project investment totaled approximately $29 billion (inclusive of capital, operations and maintenance) over a 20-year period; and
If completed, submitted projects would yield a 5:1 return on investment equivalent to $142 billion.
“Data tells us that an additional 3 million metro Atlanta residents will live and work in the region by 2050, said Chris Tomlinson, Executive Director. “As transit will play a critical role in how we support the region and State of Georgia’s economic growth targets, the ATRP provides a roadmap of strategic options that will help us meet our projected mobility goals. The plan also holds us to solid stakeholder engagement efforts, thereby ensuring that we hear directly from the citizens we seek to serve.
In addition to the adoption of the ARTP, the Board Members were briefed on the ATL’s accomplishments over the last year, including data on how transit partners developed revised operational plans in response to COVID-19.
Annual Report and Audit Submitted to Legislators, Key Partners
As required by law, the ATL Board also forwarded the 2020 Annual Report and Audit (ARA) to the Georgia General Assembly’s House and Senate Transportation Committee members, county leadership and its transit partners.
The 2020 ARA covers transit planning, funding and operations from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. A PDF version of the ARTP and ARA are available at https://atltransit.wpengine.com.
The next meeting of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Board of Directors is scheduled for February 7, 2021.
About the Xpress Transit System
The ATL was created by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 legislation session to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing the ATL Regional Transit Plan, as well as identifying and prioritizing the projects and initiatives required to develop region-wide transit. The ATL is also charged with creating a unified regional transit system brand. The population of metro Atlanta is growing rapidly and projected to add 2.5 million residents by 2040. The ATL is a critical step towards more efficient and effective transit and mobility in the region. For more information on the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
