District 9 candidate Charles Bourgeois on transit

Charles Bourgeois

Charles Bourgeois faces is trying to unseat an incumbent, two-term councilmember. Bourgeois shared his positions on transit and mobility with the public by answering Better Atlanta Transit’s questionnaire on the topic.

Dustin Hillis currently represents the District, which extends west and north from West Midtown to the Chattahoochee River. Hillis didn’t respond to our invitations to participate in the questionnaire.

This is one of seven Q&As with Council candidates that we’re publishing in advance of early voting (Oct. 14-31).  BAT’s positions on many of the issues raised by the candidates are well known.  But we’re committed to publishing their answers here in a neutral, objective fashion.

 Stay tuned on the BAT Blog, sign up for our occasional newsletter or follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook to gain an in-depth understanding of the candidates’ positions on these issues.

1.      Atlantans often complain about traffic, our over-dependence on automobiles and a shortage of viable alternatives. They want to see more walkable, people-friendly neighborhoods and developments. How will you as a Council member work to improve the situation?  Is anything that the City or MARTA has done starting to make a difference?

Charles Bourgeois:  Atlanta's traffic problem is a crisis. It's the result of decades of inequitable planning that puts cars before people. As your Council member, I will champion a real alternative that we can scale: break ground on rail, dedicated bus lanes that cut commute times, protected bike networks, and sidewalks that make walking safe in every neighborhood.

Yes, the City and MARTA have taken steps — rideshare pilots & micro-mobility options — but they are not enough, not fast enough. Once again we need a rail system that gets people out of their cars where they need to be! We need to expand frequent service in historically underserved neighborhoods, and we need new developments to be built for people, not just parking lots.

2. There are limited funds available for transit and an endless number of proposed improvements. How would you prioritize the following five solutions? Please rank them 1 through 5. Then, explain your rankings and how you hope to accomplish this.

● Add bus rapid transit lines

● Improve bus service

● Improve existing rail service and stations

● Add infill MARTA rail stations

● Expand the Atlanta Streetcar

Bourgeois

1. Improve Bus Service: We should put transit dollars where they help the most people right away. That starts with better bus service, since buses are what working families, seniors, and students rely on every day. More frequent and reliable buses mean more access and opportunity across Atlanta.

2. Add Bus Rapid Transit Lines: Once we improve the quality of bus service we need dedicated bus lanes that move large numbers of people quickly and affordably, almost like rail but at a lower cost.

3. Improve Existing Rail Service and Stations: We need to upgrade MARTA rail stations so they're safer, cleaner, and easier to use. If we want people to ride, the system has to feel modern and reliable.

4. Expand The Street Car: Pause on Streetcar expansion. It hasn't proven its value yet, so we should strengthen what already works before spending more there.

5. Add Infill MARTA Rail Stations: Although this would connect more neighborhoods in the long run, it would take more money and time that we likely don't have. This time and money may be better spent investing in rail instead of MARTA stations.

We get this done first by building consensus with partners and stakeholders around communities. Then we fight to put transit dollars where they're needed most—underserved neighborhoods & key congested areas. Lastly, we must bring in state and federal funds so every local dollar goes further.

3. The TrailsATL plan approved by the City Council envisions 535 miles of bike and pedestrian improvements. The first phase would add 35 miles by 2037. Do you agree with that pace? If not, how would you go about enhancing the program’s funding and shortening its timeline? Are there other steps we need to take to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians?

Bourgeois: No, 35 miles by 2037 is far too slow for Atlanta. We cannot wait more than a decade for safe sidewalks, bike lanes, and trail connections. We need urgency, because these investments reduce traffic, and connect people to key infrastructure.

As a Council member, I am looking to propose bold new ideas centered around connectivity & green infrastructure. I would push to accelerate TrailsATL by tying it to new bonds. We currently do not have a 'Solar Bond'. A bond like this would raise upfront capital to install solar panels on public buildings, schools, and community centers, as well as develop solar microgrids in underserved neighborhoods. Savings from reduced energy costs and potential revenue from community solar programs could repay investors over time, making it a self-sustaining investment. Those resources could quickly accelerate Trails ATL—improving public health, reducing traffic, and creating safer, greener neighborhoods.

4. Broadly speaking, what is your vision of the future of transit and mobility within the city? How would you go about making Atlanta less car dependent and more human scaled?

Bourgeois: My vision for Atlanta's future is a city that is less car-dependent and truly human-scaled. That means reimagining our transportation system so people have safe, reliable, and affordable options for every trip, whether by bus, train, bike, or foot. We should be working toward a 15-minute city, where daily needs can be met close to home and families can travel without feeling like the car is their only choice.

A core part of this vision is building a transit system that prioritizes frequency and reliability. Our bus network already carries more riders than rail, and we must invest in increasing service, reducing headways, and ensuring that riders have the amenities and safety they deserve. Adding bus rapid transit along major corridors will provide rail-like service at a fraction of the cost, helping us reach new communities more quickly while also complementing existing rail service. At the same time, we cannot neglect MARTA's rail system. Improving stations, transfers, and accessibility is critical to sustaining ridership and ensuring the backbone of the system remains strong. Transit on the BeltLine will tie these elements together, connecting buses, BRT, rail, and trails into one seamless network that makes it easier for Atlantans to move throughout the city.

Alongside transit, we must build a protected network of bike lanes and multi-use trails that connect directly to schools, parks, commercial districts, and transit hubs. TrailsATL and the BeltLine are proof that these facilities are not just recreational amenities but vital transportation infrastructure. Delivering them faster and more comprehensively will ensure that biking and walking are safe and viable options for more families.

Safe streets must also be a central part of this work. That means narrowing lanes, shortening crossings, building protected intersections, and reducing speeds so that pedestrians and cyclists are not put in harm's way. Better curb management, with smart loading zones, designated pick-up and drop-off areas, and pricing where appropriate, will reduce congestion and keep crosswalks and bike lanes clear. Parking reforms and unbundling parking from housing costs will further encourage alternatives to driving.

Finally, mobility is inseparable from housing. We need more affordable homes near frequent transit so that longtime residents and working families can remain in their communities while benefiting from new investments. Transit-oriented development, paired with inclusionary zoning and affordability requirements, ensures that the growth we are driving is equitable and sustainable.

By weaving together frequent transit, safe and connected bike and pedestrian networks, redesigned streets, curb reforms, and equitable housing, Atlanta can truly become a city where mobility is not a barrier but a bridge, giving every resident the freedom to move safely, affordably, and with dignity.