Metro region transportation challenges took center stage at today's Atlanta Press Club Newsmaker Luncheon. The expert panel included Heather Alhadeff of Center Forward, Inc.; Becky Katz with the Department of
Metro region transportation challenges took center stage at today’s Atlanta Press Club Newsmaker Luncheon. The expert panel included Heather Alhadeff of Center Forward, Inc.; Becky Katz with the Department of Planning and Community Development; Atlanta BeltLine Inc. chief Paul Morris, MARTA CEO Keith Parker and Chris Tomlinson with the Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority.
The facilitated conversation was built around the question: Are we heading toward open roads or a dead end? The consensus opinion clearly leaned toward a more open dialogue about a multi-pronged approach to transportation in the region. Rather than focusing solely on mobility for single-occupant vehicles, the group discussed a multi-modal approach to solving traffic woes and commute options. A combination of roads, transit, bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure would be necessary to improve mobility and connectivity throughout the region. And, the vernacular is changing too. Instead of using traditional phrases like “modes of transportation”, planners are now discussing “the journey” and “individual commutes” for the region’s residents and visitors.
