Beltline Rail Brings a Fence

Hans Klein 30 December 2023

Where's the fence??!!
This widely-published photo erroneously omits the fence that will divide trains from Beltline users.

Concerning the fence along MARTA’s proposed Beltline tracks, it is MARTA itself that insists on this barrier.
That is because MARTA does not enjoy sovereign immunity. The MARTA Act states, “The Authority shall not enjoy governmental immunity from tort liability, but shall be liable therefor as any private corporation…” (Source: https://www.itsmarta.com/uploadedFiles/More/About_MARTA/Marta%20Act%202018%20.pdf)
Therefore, MARTA, unlike the City of Atlanta, can be sued and possibly held liable for accidents involving its staff and equipment.
(I’ll bet money that the Munich transit authority, which apparently does not use fences, enjoys sovereign immunity. Hence the scene in Ryan Gravel's video — which looks rather dangerous, I must say! Here are more safety pics and videos.)
Lacking immunity from tort liability, it is not surprising that MARTA has repeatedly stressed that safety is a top priority.
This concern for safety will be addressed by raising a fence down the middle of the Beltline. That fence will protect people (and MARTA), but it will also divide neighborhoods.
Everyone loves the connectivity created by the Beltline, but Beltline rail will bring a fence down the middle of the Beltline. That fence would undo today’s connectivity.
Images of the planned Beltline rail really should show that fencing.

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