The Georgia Department of Transportation has released the results of a study to build a high-speed rail line between Atlanta and Chattanooga. The study offers three potential routes with the fastest getting passengers between the two cities in just 88 minutes with trains traveling up to 180 miles per hour.
The I-75 Corridor route – identified by the GDOT as the “best performing alternative” – would have eight stations along its 128-mile route at a cost of approximately $8.76 billion. A second alternative would see the train divert from I-75 to Rome, lengthening the route to 150 miles and adding 15 minutes to the travel time. A third “worst performing alternative” would see the train divert east and add seven minutes to the trip.
To see details and the route map, visit this link.
Bullet train will undoubtedly shorten the surface travel time to Atlanta. A significant number of travelers travel by auto or passenger carrying vans from Chattanooga to Atlanta Airport and Nashville Airport. I can drive to Hartsville Jackson International Airport from Chattanooga on little more than half tank of gasoline, costing approximately $25. I can’t fly from Chattanooga to Atlanta one way less $100. You do the math. A bullet train travel would be cost effective, unhindered by congested traffic, and a straight shot to the airport.