Macon being considered as intermediate stop along Atlanta-to-Savannah intercity passenger rail
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) paved the way for the Atlanta-Savannah Corridor proposal, which is currently in the pipeline for more federal funding. The Georgia Department of Transportation is exploring five different routes for the project, with one including a route that would connect Atlanta to Macon to Savannah.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Local officials say we’re closer than ever to seeing a high-speed rail service connecting cities across Georgia.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) paved the way for the Atlanta-Savannah Corridor proposal, which is currently in the pipeline for more federal funding. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is exploring five different routes for the project, with one including a route that would connect Atlanta to Macon to Savannah.
No train has picked up passengers at the Terminal Station in Macon since the Nancy Hanks closed in 1971. Robert Reichert, former Macon-Bibb County Mayor and current Chairman of Georgians for Passenger Rail, Inc., is leading efforts to change that.
“We have been without passenger rail service since 1971, but we’ve been talking about it ever since,” Reichert said.
Reichert says Macon being in the heart of Georgia helps its case as the best option for becoming the corridor’s intermediate stop. He says the route would connect with existing Amtrak routes that run from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans, and from New York down to Orlando and Miami, Florida.
“It’s also part of a national network that would literally bring the United States right here to downtown Macon,” Reichert said.
Reichert says the Georgia Intercity Passenger Rail will not only mean fewer drivers on interstates but also result in a boost to Georgia businesses as well.
“It’s going to be great for passengers, giving them an alternative to driving to locations,” Reichert said. “But it’s also good for freight and for businesses that can move freight faster and safer because as you upgrade these rails to make them safer for passenger rail and higher speeds, you also benefit the movement of freight the same way.”
Richert is calling on current Macon-Bibb County leaders to support the project. Commissioner Stanley Stewart says he’s asked for legislation to come forward, ensuring that the commission will be on board.
“We’re standing here now in this beautiful terminal station, one of the most beautiful stations in the state of Georgia,” Stewart said. “And we want to put it to good use.”
Reichert compares the benefit that the intercity rail system could have on Macon to when the interstate highway system reached Bibb County in the 1960s. As he continues to advocate, he hopes residents and county leaders do the same.
“We’re connecting with the rest of the nation and the world with this network,” Reichert said. “It could be a huge benefit for us.”
GDOT is working to create a Service Development Plan to examine potential routes for the Atlanta-Savannah Corridor, and officials hope to have the plan complete in early 2028.
