Atlanta has come too far to stray from the proven choice that will connect 45 neighborhoods with high capacity transit.
This is part one of a six part series on why I believe Beltline Rail and in particular starting with the Streetcar East extension is crucial for the city’s future.
| Part One | Density |
| Part Two | Connectivity |
| Part Three | Congestion |
| Part Four | Equity |
| Part Five | Timeline and Economics |
| Part Six | Ensuring Success |
Transit follows density. Right now, the area around the Eastside trail has the number one ingredient for transit success – density.
The land use straddling the Eastside Trail in 2004, 2016, 2020, and 2024 – Google Earth
Over the past decade, 1000s of homes, 1000s of jobs, and 100s of shops and restaurants have decided to call the Eastside Trail home and there’s no sign of slowing down. These have combined to create one of the most vibrant districts not just in the South, but the entire country.
The only piece of the puzzle missing is high capacity transit – which Beltline Rail will bring. Starting with the Streetcar East extension will be a fail proof method that Beltline Rail will work along the entire 22 mile stretch.
While 1000s of units are in the works for the Southside and Westside trails, it will take a bit longer to reach the level of density and employment base that is seen now on the Eastside.
There’s a perfect example of how rail can work with trail and accelerate density with our neighbors up in Charlotte.
Come back tomorrow for Part Two!
To learn more about Transit on the Beltline visit: https://beltline.org/learn/progress-planning/transit/beltline-transit-study/
To support the fight for Beltline Rail visit: https://beltlinerailnow.com/
To read all my Atlanta articles visit: https://philveasley.com/atlanta-articles/
Phil Veasley is a Professional Engineer and CNU accredited member working to design safer multimodal infrastructure in cities throughout the US.
My goal is to create cities that are safe and effective for all people to move about outside of cars. To achieve that we have to focus on creating equitable, dense, and vibrant cities full of walkable neighborhoods with a various mix of housing choices, schools, restaurants, transit, and services. We cannot have safe multimodal infrastructure without the density to support it and we cannot have equitable density without safe multimodal infrastructure. Outside of designing safe streets, my passions are sketching ideas for infill neighborhoods, floor plans, urban photography, and exploring our cities on foot or bike. Please check out the menus above for all of my ideas and also check out my YouTube, Instagram, BlueSky Social, and Twitter accounts.
Opinions and insights are my own and are not representative of my employer or any organization.
Phil Veasley 
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