Posted on 06/27/2023 6:16:19 AM PDT by CFW
What is already arguably America's worst public transit project is about to get a whole lot more expensive.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is moving ahead with plans to build a 2-mile extension to the city's 2.7-mile streetcar line, with an estimated price tag of $230 million. The Center Square reports that the first batch of that new spending—an $11.5 million contract awarded to a firm that will design the extension—was doled out last week. The project is being funded by a half-cent increase in the Atlanta sales tax, and the extension is scheduled to open in 2028.
Even if the extension doesn't go over budget, $230 million for two miles of new streetcar track works out to a slobber-knocking total of $21,700 per foot.
And that only covers the construction costs. If the current Atlanta Streetcar is any indication, most of the operating costs for the extension will be covered by people who never ride it. The existing 2.7-mile loop through downtown Atlanta gets about 158,000 riders per year. Even if all of them pay the $1 per ride fare—and there is ample evidence that many do not—that wouldn't come close to covering the system's $5 million annual operating cost.
(Excerpt) Read more at reason.com ...
This is just crazy money per mile. You have to wonder who is cashing in on these projects. Follow the money I say.
I travel around and see all the empty buses and trains. It is just awful to see all the wasted energy, from Sacramento to Norfolk these ‘light rail’ trains are mostly empty.
$230 million would buy a LOT of two mile Uber and Lyft rides. Or buy a lot of shoe leather.
Can somebody explain why streetcars are so expensive?
Few years ago they extended light rail here to Mesa- almost 4 miles, on public land, $199 millions. (I guess million below budget!). Similar price ag to Atlanta.
The steel is not that expensive!
Guarantee it’ll go over budget. These projects always do.
Becoming? Atlanta has been a democrat hellhole for a long time.
If it can get me to the Cheetah III quicker I am all for this project!
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