Amtrak and the Beltline

Amtrak recently announced that it is considering using the right of way of the northeast segment of Atlanta's proposed Beltline to access the proposed intermodal station in Downtown Atlanta. Of all of the quadrants of the Beltline, the northeast quadrant is probably the most viable in terms of future development. Apparently, for Amtrak, it's the easiest path to get a passenger train downtown. Many individuals, businesses and governments pick the path of least resistance without much thought about the consequences of the decision or looking seriously at alternatives. A great local example is the MARTA rail line. Instead of building rail to population centers and places of employment, MARTA chose to build along existing railroad corridors and the biggest complaint the public has about the system is that it doesn't "go anywhere I need to go."

For years, passenger rail service to New Orleans and the Northeast used the tracks that roughly parallel Marietta Street northwest out of downtown to intersect the main north-south line near Inman Yards and the Atlanta Waterworks. My guess is only reason that Amtrak does not want to use this route is that they may be competing with Norfolk Southern's freight trains for access to the rail lines.

Amtrak needs to seriously look at this and other alternatives. Using the Beltline right of way would seriously damage it's chance for success. This would be a huge setback for the City and it's intown neighborhoods.