ATL Board of Directors Adopts ATL Regional Transit Plan

For Immediate Release:
December 13, 2019

ATL Board of Directors Adopts ATL Regional Transit Plan
Critical First Step for Transit Investment Begins
ATLANTA – At its meeting today, the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Board of Directors adopted the ATL Regional Transit Plan (ARTP).

The ATL Regional Transit Plan (ARTP) serves as a critical first step for transit investment in the region. It is the primary source for transit projects to be considered by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) for inclusion in the federally required short-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 each year.

“This is a watershed moment for mobility in our region. The ARTP will allow the ATL to make data-driven, objective recommendations on critical transit projects for state and federal investment,” stated Charlie Sutlive, Board Chairman. “This approach will allow the region to be more competitive on the national level in drawing down federal funding for projects.”

In total, 192 projects were submitted for inclusion in the 2019 ARTP by local governments, transit operators, Community Improvement Districts (CIDs), and other project sponsors. Projects were submitted across all 10 ATL Districts and totaled $27 billion inclusive of capital and operations and maintenance over a 20-year period.

“We believe that the level of impact that this $27 billion dollar portfolio of projects provides will better prepare us to address the mobility challenges we’ll face with the additional 2.9 million people expected to descend on the Atlanta region in the coming years,” stated Chris Tomlinson, Executive Director. “Moreover, our process of engaging citizens and key regional stakeholders gave us a greater understanding of how we can help improve mobility and promote seamless connectivity in their communities.”

In addition to the adoption of the ARTP, the Board Members were briefed with a Year-in-Review on the efforts and accomplishments of the agency since the establishment of the Board.

The next meeting of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Board of Directors is scheduled for February 6, 2020.

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. 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 The ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

 ATL Releases Impact Data from ATL Regional Transit Plan 

 ATL Releases Impact Data from ATL Regional Transit Plan 

Project List Aims to Increase Access to Jobs and Transit Options in the Region 

ATLANTA – At its November 7, 2019 Board meeting, Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) leadership released impact data on the ATL Regional Transit Plan (ARTP) for the 13-county region to the ATL Board of Directors. The release of the data included project performance and its ties to the ARTP’s governing principles and how the plan can have significant impact in the region. ATL leadership posted the draft ARTP on the website today. Draft Plan. 

The cumulative 2019 ARTP investment package comprises 973 miles of transit expansion and 1,126 miles of transit enhancement. These investments identify improvements that target job access equity for citizens in the region. 

Key potential gains identified in the draft ARTP that would move the needle on citizens having closer access to jobs and regional transit options are: 

• An increase to 35% (or 420,000 in new jobs) where currently approximately17% of existing jobs in the 13-county ATL jurisdiction are within ½ mile of a high-capacity stop or station (light/heavy rail and bus rapid transit) 

• An increase to 59% (representing over 100,000 new jobs) from the current 55% of existing jobs in the 13-county ATL jurisdiction within ½ mile of low-capacity transit (bus) stops 

• An increase of 19% of low wage jobs within walking distance to high capacity transit stations (light/heavy rail and bus rapid transit) 

• A 409% (394,000 households) increase for low income, minority, or zero-car households with walking access to high capacity transit (light/heavy rail and bus rapid transit) 

• A 9% increase for low income, minority, or zero-car households with walking access to low capacity transit (bus) 

“Close proximity to transit and transit-oriented development within communities can increase property values and intensify redevelopment,” stated Chris Tomlinson, Executive Director. “This has been directly demonstrated in communities around Midtown Atlanta and the Perimeter employment centers which benefit from proximity to rail.” 

In addition to the release of the ARTP data, the board was briefed on the results of ATL’s community engagement efforts leading up to the plan. Over 200 citizens attended District Downloads facilitated by ATL staff and held in each of the 10 transit districts to download information about transit projects submitted for their ATL District. 

As required by the ATL’s enabling legislation, Foursquare, ITP presented information on the upcoming ATL Annual Report and Audit. The report will focus on the economic and regional impact of transit and include data for the last five years on transit planning, investments, and operations from nine of the transit systems operating in the ATL’s 13-county region. 

The next meeting of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Board of Directors is scheduled for December 13, 2019. 

Notice of public comment on the ATL Regional Transit Plan (ARTP)

In compliance with requirements and guidelines outlined in Federal Transit Administration Circular C 4702.1B, and it’s adopted Title VI Program, the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority (ATL) is requesting public comment on the ATL Regional Transit Plan (ARTP).

The formal public comment period begins on November 11, 2019 and concludes on December 11, 2019. Copies of the Plan may be found on the ATL website at https://atltransit.wpengine.com/regional-planning/, or at the physical address below.

Additionally, a Public Comment Hearing will be held from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Thursday, November 21, 2019, in the ATL Board Room at 245 Peachtree Center Ave. NE, 23rd Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303.

Comments on the proposed Plan may be submitted to:

ATL Public Comment Program
By email: [email protected]
In writing: ATL Public Comment
245 Peachtree Center Avenue, NE
Suite 2200
Atlanta, GA 30303
By telephone: (404) 893-2100
In person: During the public hearing scheduled for Thursday, November 21, 2019.

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 Thursday, November 14, 2019, 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.

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold November Board Meeting

For Immediate Release:

October 30, 2019

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold November Board Meeting

ATL Board Meeting Scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2019, at 8:00 a.m.

ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) announces its next Board meeting to be held at 8:00 a.m., Thursday, November 7, 2019, at 245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Marquis Tower One, Suite 2300, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

To view agendas visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/.

 

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

 The ATL was established by HB 930 to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing a 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 — 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 The ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us Twitter and Facebook.

 

ATL Board Appoints Chris Tomlinson as Executive Director and Approves 2021 Budget Submission to Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget

For Immediate Release:

September 5, 2019

ATL Board Appoints Chris Tomlinson as Executive Director and

Approves 2021 Budget Submission to Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget

 Launch of Connect Douglas Furthers ATL Mission to Connect the Region Through Seamless Transit  

ATLANTA – At its meeting today, the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Board of Directors appointed Chris Tomlinson as its executive director. Tomlinson has served as Interim Executive Director of the ATL since its inception. He also serves as the Executive Director of the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA). In these combined executive leadership roles, Tomlinson leads three state level authorities whose shared missions are focused on improving mobility in Georgia by providing reliable, innovative transportation solutions to Georgia motorists and transit commuters.

Prior to being appointed Executive Director for GRTA and SRTA, Tomlinson served as Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel for SRTA. In this role, he was responsible for day-to-day operations and legal issue management. Before joining SRTA, he served as general counsel for several state agencies, including the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Georgia Technology Authority and the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, where he was also Deputy Director for the Construction Division.

“Chris Tomlinson’s wealth of experience and proven track record of results has set the ATL up for success from the beginning,” said Charlie Sutlive, ATL board chair. “The board is pleased to appoint him as our executive director and looks forward to his continued leadership as we develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan to guide the region’s transit priorities and funding.”

“I am honored to continue serving the ATL board and our constituents in the 13-county region as we work together for a seamless mobility experience,’ said Chris Tomlinson, ATL Executive Director. “We’ve laid the foundation for our mission this past year and I’m excited about the opportunities before us to drive connectivity and economic growth across the region.”

The board also approved the FY 2021 budget submission to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. This submission maintains the current state base. The ATL board will vote on the FY 2021 budget in June 2020.

Gary Watson, Manager of Connect Douglas Transit Services, gave an update on Douglas County’s new fixed-route service that launched in June.

Connect Douglas operates four routes serviced by cutaways, or “minibuses” that carry a driver and 14 passengers. Two routes serve downtown Douglasville and various areas of the county. A third route serves Thornton Road south of I-20 and Riverside Drive. The fourth route serves Lithia Springs and connects the two Douglasville routes to the Thornton Road/Riverside route and connects with CobbLinc’s Route 30 which provides access to the H.E. Holmes MARTA Station.

The next meeting of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Board of Directors is scheduled for November 7, 2019.

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

The ATL was established by HB 930 to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing a 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 — 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 theregion. For more information on The ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow usTwitterand Facebook.

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Board Meeting for September 5, 2019, at 8:00 a.m.

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Hold Board Meeting

Board Meeting Scheduled for September 5, 2019, at 8:00 a.m.

 

ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) announces its next Board meeting to be held at 8:00 a.m., Thursday, September 5, 2019, at 245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Marquis One, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303.

 

To view agendas, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/

 

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Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority to Hold Election to Fill District 2 Board Vacancy

For Immediate Release:

August 14, 2019

 

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority to Hold Election to Fill District 2 Board Vacancy

Election to be Held at Duluth City Hall on Monday, August 19, 2019

ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority will hold a special District 2 Board Member election. This election fills the vacancy left by former Board Member Marsha Anderson Bomar, who resigned in April.

WHO:Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

WHEN:  Monday, August 19, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Duluth City Hall at 3167 Main Street, Duluth, Georgia 30096 

WHAT:Transit District 2 Board Member election. District 2 includes parts of Forsyth, Fulton and Gwinnett Counties. Municipalities included are Alpharetta, Berkeley Lake, Braselton, Buford, Cumming, Duluth, Johns Creek, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Rest Haven, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Sugar Hill and Suwanee.

 

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

The ATL was established by HB 930 to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing a 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 — 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 theregion. For more information on The ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow usTwitterand Facebook.

ATL Board Adopts FTA Regional Formula Fund Policy Updates

For Immediate Release:
August 8, 2019
ATL Board Adopts FTA Regional Formula Fund Policy Updates

Transit Feasibility Update Presented by Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst

 

ATLANTA – At its meeting today, the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Board of Directors adopted the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regional Formula Fund policies for the Atlanta Urbanized Area (UZA). The policies will now proceed to the Atlanta Regional Commission for their approval.

The FTA Regional Formula Fund policies provide details for how FTA formula funding is distributed throughout the 23-county Atlanta UZA and largely mirrors the national formula used by FTA. By adopting these policies, the ATL and ARC together are establishing an equitable and transparent process for how FTA Regional Formula Funding will continue to be distributed throughout the region.

With the goal of streamlining transit planning and promoting collaboration, updates regarding the work of the Regional Transit Planning Committee and the Regional Technology Committee were given as well as a presentation on the I-285 Top End Transit Feasibility Study. The Board heard updates on its first “Call for Transit Projects” that ended July 31, 2019. It was reported that 195 projects were submitted.

“This is the first step in working toward a plan for better connecting our transit systems across the 13-county region, ” said Felicia Franklin Warner, ATL Board Vice Chair. “We want to promote collaboration between our transit partners and stakeholders while thinking long-term about mobility.”

Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst along with Eric Bosman from Kimley-Horn presented an update on the I-285 Top End Transit Feasibility Study. Seven cities across the north side of I-285 including Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville and Tucker, are looking at an east-west transit line that would connect the cities by running high speed, high capacity transit service in toll lanes along the highway. Funding for the study is being provided by the cities in conjunction with the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, the Cumberland CID and the Tucker-Northlake CID.

“The items discussed during today’s meeting continue to emphasize that regional transit is truly a collaborative process,” commented Chris Tomlinson, ATL Interim Executive Director. “A more efficient and unified transit system will help drive economic growth and provide better access to jobs for people across the region.”

The Board also approved its 2020 calendar. The next meeting of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) Board of Directors is scheduled for September 5, 2019.

 

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

 

The ATL was established by HB 930 to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing a 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 — 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 The ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow usTwitter and Facebook.

 

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority Begins Process to Fill District 2 Board Vacancy 

 For Immediate Release: 

July 17, 2019 

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority Begins Process to Fill District 2 Board Vacancy 

ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority will hold a special District 2 Mayoral Caucus election. This election is to begin the process to fill the vacancy left by Board Member Marsha Bomar. Chairman Kevin Tanner, the author of HB 930 and this ATL Board election process, is planning to attend the caucus meeting for a brief Q&A session. 

WHO: Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority 

WHEN: Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. 

WHERE: Duluth City Hall on 3167 Main Street, Duluth, Georgia 30096 

WHAT: Transit District 2 Mayoral Caucus election. District 2 includes parts of Forsyth, Fulton and Gwinnett Counties. Municipalities included are Alpharetta, Berkeley Lake, Braselton, Buford, Cumming, Duluth, Johns Creek, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Rest Haven, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Sugar Hill and Suwanee. 

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority 

The ATL was established by HB 930 to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing a 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 — 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 The ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us Twitter and Facebook.

Regional Transit Planning Committee Scheduled for July 17, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.

For Immediate Release:

July 12, 2019

 

Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to Regional Transit Planning Committee Meeting

Regional Transit Planning Committee Scheduled for July 17, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.

 

ATLANTA – The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority announces that it will hold an ATL Regional Transit Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at 10:00 AM, at 245 Peachtree Center Avenue, Marquis One, 23rd Floor, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303.

 

To view agendas, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/

 

About the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority

The ATL was established by HB 930 to provide coordinated transit planning and funding for the metro Atlanta region. The ATL is responsible for developing a 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 — 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 the ATL, visit https://atltransit.wpengine.com/ and follow us Twitter and Facebook.

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