So Cobb County officials are apparently in support of a new bus station that will sit on top of I-75 at Akers Mill. Here’s what they plan to build:

The station would have 18 bus bays and the parking deck would have about 1000 - 1500 spaces. Riders would, theoretically, park at the station, then take a bus from there. The project carries a $93 million price tag. I would be shocked if this project were not a boondoggle meant to benefit campaign donors.

The total capital investment in the I-75 HOV/BRT project is currently estimated at $600 million, according to the AJC. In the meantime, I fired off another LTE:

As though it wasn’t good enough for GDOT to place a higher value on moving cars than moving people, now they intend to build a bus station designed for the convenience of busses. There is no significant development potential within walking distance to the station, thanks to I-75.

Meanwhile, MARTA is getting it right in understanding the need for developing a plan for land use and transportation together (Ahead of the Curve, 10/23). As the authority sites its next station on the north line, it’ll focus on three factors: “the number of people and jobs in each area; the level of planned future development; and the availability of large land tracts for transit-oriented development.” Now that’s what I call “more bang for the buck.”