Along with the Beltline, the Clifton Corridor transit initiative seems to be one of the rare long-term proposals that just won’t die.  That’s saying something in a town that historically has been at best, skeptical, and at worst, fearful, of transportation alternatives.

Why is it so resilient?  In short, jobs and job growth. Check out these projections from a recent CCTMA doc…

As any good Atlanta transit wonk knows, the Clifton Cooridor looks to release Emory and CDC employees and students alike from the daily shackles of a commute to and from one of Atlanta’s largest employers along residential roads.

The Clifton Cooridor Transportation Management Association is still reviewing a few ways and routes of connecting Emory to the Lindbergh MARTA station, but here’s the basic idea.

The purple line is the new MARTA line would run from Lindbergh to Emory to Avondale MARTA Station.  (But note, that the one-cent sales tax proposals have only asked for funds for the Lindbergh to Emory portion)  The yellow line represents a “Decatur Service and Cliff Executive Park” bus service to Decatur Station.  (I believe Decatur’s asked for 1-cent sales tax funding for this project)

The CCTMA has yet to decide whether to back heavy rail, light rail or bus service along the purple route.  In fact, they still haven’t determined that the purple route, which follows the CSX line to Emory is the way to go.  A route that takes North Druid to the north is also still under consideration, with the main benefit that it would provide more access and potential land redevelopment – for no other reason than its longer.  However, since it’s longer, it’s also a more expensive and lengthier commute between Lindbergh and Emory.

With all these potential routes and modes of transportation still up in the air, doesn’t an Open House sound like an event worthy of your time?  Luckily, the CCTMA will host one set up for next Thursday, May 19th from 4-7p at the Emory University Conference Center!

Lots more info on the event and this whole dang project, HERE.