Public transit has always been the core of the plan for the Atlanta Beltline. And now, the Beltline is taking more steps forward to bring safe, useful transit to the city’s iconic 22-mile walking trail. Keep scrolling to learn more about how the Beltline could help connect neighborhoods & communities!
The Atlanta Beltline Light Rail proposal
So… what would the Atlanta Beltline light rail actually look like? Great question! Right now, the current study calls for three separate light rail loops:
- one loop that runs the length of the Beltline (all 22 miles)
- a northern loop that connects to Downtown ATL
- a southern loop that connects to Downtown ATL
According to the Atlanta Beltline,
Final recommendations include three routes with bi-directional service, running 18.5 hours a day (6:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.)… Each route would have 20-minute headways, resulting in 10-minute headways at platforms. The plan provides for a one-seat ride anywhere in the system, as well as MARTA heavy rail infill stations.
How much would this cost?
As of 2025, the estimated cost of these three loops of light rails is $3.5 billion.
You can get a recap of the Atlanta Beltline’s transit study meeting on September 4th, 2026, here.
And to learn more about the project in general, head to the Beltline’s website, here!
Any additional questions or comments you have can be sent to engage@atlbeltline.org. Feedback will be accepted through November 3, 2026.
What’s next?
Now, the task of figuring out how to actually create the light rail begins.
According to 11 Alive, The Atlanta City Council unanimously approved “legislation aimed at getting a concrete plan for the long-discussed project in place by early next year.”
The Atlanta Beltline states in a release,
With a locally preferred alignment identified, the next steps include pursuing funding and advancing the additional planning and engineering needed to move the proposed light-rail system forward. As an implementation partner, Atlanta Beltline will work with the City of Atlanta and MARTA, whose funding and continued partnership will be necessary to advance the project.
As we know more, we’ll be sure to update you, too!