ATLANTA — Starting next year, a new MARTA bus line promises to make quick trips through some of Atlanta’s busiest areas, offering a faster, more efficient ride for commuters.
The MARTA Rapid Summerhill Line will provide direct service from the Carver neighborhood in south Atlanta, through Summerhill, and up to Downtown. The transit line, expected to cut travel times to just 12 to 15 minutes each way, will utilize a bus-only lane to avoid the heavy traffic that often clogs these routes.
However, MARTA is calling on Georgia lawmakers to help ensure the line runs smoothly. To keep the buses moving without delays, MARTA is asking for a bill to be passed that would allow cameras to be placed on the buses, as well as on the bus-only lanes. These cameras would catch and fine drivers who illegally use the lanes, preventing potential slowdowns for the buses.
MARTA’s Jennifer LaRosa recently addressed lawmakers, urging them to approve the measure during the upcoming legislative session.
“These cameras will also be on the front of the buses and in the lanes 24 hours.” LaRosa explained. “So any violation would be fairly accurate and also reviewable.”
The bill would give MARTA and the city the tools to enforce bus lane violations, which could be essential for keeping travel times on the Summerhill route to a minimum.
Summerhill bus line’s impact on city traffic
MARTA’s new rapid bus service will run from the Carver neighborhood through Summerhill and into Downtown Atlanta. The line is part of an effort to make commuting faster and more reliable for residents of some of Atlanta’s most traffic-heavy areas.
Construction on the dedicated bus lanes, which are crucial to the success of the line, is already well underway. According to MARTA, about 50% of the bus-only lanes are complete. The goal is for the line to open in the summer 2025, with the expectation that the bus-only lanes and cutting-edge technology on board will give buses priority at intersections along the route, further speeding up travel times.
MARTA promises to invest in a “robust education campaign” to inform drivers about the new rules, including a six-month warning period before fines are issued. This will give drivers time to adjust and understand the importance of keeping the bus lanes clear. Funds generated by the fines could go toward public transit and safety projects in the city, making the program beneficial for everyone.
Time running out for lawmakers to act
MARTA is hoping to get the legislative support it needs before Georgia’s next legislative session begins in January. The bill is crucial for making sure the Summerhill Line can operate as planned when it launches next summer. Lawmakers will need to act quickly, as there is limited time to pass the bill before the line’s anticipated launch date.
With transportation becoming a growing concern in Atlanta, the MARTA Rapid Summerhill Line could offer a much-needed solution, but its success will depend on the cooperation of local lawmakers. For now, MARTA is working hard to ensure everything is in place for a smooth and efficient start to the service.