The Atlanta Beltline has published the final recommendations from a three-and-a-half-year study into a proposed high-capacity light rail network along the Beltline corridor.
The Beltline Transit Study (BTS), funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), sets out preferred routes, station locations, service assumptions, ridership projections and cost estimates for the proposed system.
The study focused on the northwest, southwest and southeast quadrants of the Beltline, following separate planning work by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in the northeast quadrant.
CSX Alignment Selected for Northwest Quadrant
Three potential transit alignments were considered in the northwest quadrant during the final stages of the study: CSX, Peachtree and Ottley.
The study team has recommended the CSX alignment as the locally preferred alternative.
According to Atlanta Beltline, the CSX option would provide the fastest average speeds and lowest travel times among the alternatives assessed. It would also provide direct service to Piedmont Hospital, while having the lowest projected capital cost and highest projected ridership.
The recommendation follows public consultation that began with the presentation of initial findings in 2024. Since then, the project team has continued community engagement and developed service plans, ridership projections and cost estimates.
13 Stations Proposed for Southwest and Southeast Quadrants
The final recommendations identify 13 stations for the southwest and southeast sections of the proposed network.
These are:
- Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy.
- Joseph E. Boone Blvd
- Martin Luther King Jr. Dr
- Langhorn/Enota
- Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
- Lawton St.
- Murphy Ave.
- Metropolitan/Pittsburgh Yards
- Pryor Rd.
- Milton Ave./Hank Aaron Dr.
- Hill St.
- Boulevard
- Glenwood Ave.
The stations are intended to connect neighbourhoods along the Beltline with the wider Atlanta transit network.
Three Routes Proposed
The recommended service plan comprises three bi-directional routes operating for 18.5 hours a day, from 6:00am to 12:30am.
The proposed routes are:
- Beltline Loop – serving the full Beltline
- Northern Loop – connecting the Beltline with Downtown Atlanta
- Southern Loop – connecting the Beltline with Downtown Atlanta
Each route would operate at 20-minute intervals. The overlapping services would result in trains arriving at platforms every 10 minutes on sections served by multiple routes.
The plan is designed to provide a one-seat journey across the system, while also connecting with proposed MARTA heavy rail infill stations.
4.2 Million Annual Riders Projected
Ridership projections were developed using the FTA’s Simplified Trips-on-Project Software (STOPS). The study conservatively estimates around 4.2 million annual riders for the proposed system.
The modelling indicates that around 40% of riders would be transit-dependent, while 55% of trips would use infill stations. The study also estimates that 21% of journeys would represent new transit trips.
The projected capital cost for the three-route light rail system is 3.5 billion USD, based on 2025 prices. The estimate was developed using quantities from designs at between 10% and 20% completion, alongside a cost-per-mile methodology.
Next Steps
The publication of the locally preferred alignment marks the next stage of planning rather than a final funding decision or construction commitment.
Atlanta Beltline says it will work with the City of Atlanta and MARTA to pursue funding and undertake the additional planning and engineering required to advance the proposed light rail network. Both organisations would need to continue providing funding and partnership support for the project to progress.
The Beltline Transit Study is intended to provide a long-term framework for connecting neighbourhoods around the Beltline with Downtown Atlanta and the wider transit system.
Atlanta Beltline is also working on the concept for a potential MARTA heavy rail infill station at Murphy Crossing. The station was announced by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens in 2024 as part of a four-station infill initiative. Its location in southwest Atlanta would align with the proposed Beltline light rail network and could provide an additional interchange between the two systems.
Further funding and coordination with MARTA and the City of Atlanta will be required before the project can advance. The next phase would examine the station’s feasibility and develop conceptual plans, elevations, renderings and a planning-level capital cost estimate. This work would provide information for future decisions on whether and how the station should proceed.
Public Feedback
Atlanta Beltline presented the final recommendations at a Citywide Conversation on 3 September 2026, followed by an open house where attendees could discuss the proposals with project staff.
Residents who were unable to attend can review the study materials and submit comments through the project’s online engagement portal. Feedback on the Beltline Transit Study will remain open until 3 November 2026.
Atlanta Beltline said further opportunities for public engagement on the Murphy Crossing station work are expected later this autumn.
