Transit Expansion Referendum

Transit Station

Gwinnett's Transit Referendum

For the November 5th General Election, voters in Gwinnett County will have the opportunity to decide on a referendum (a general vote) to expand transit. The 75 transit projects in Gwinnett’s Transit Plan would provide 100% coverage of the county. Currently, only 11% of the county’s residents live within walking distance of transit stops.

A dedicated Transit Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (Transit SPLOST) would be paid for by all consumers who purchase goods in Gwinnett. If approved, the referendum would impose a 1% sales tax on the purchase of goods and services in Gwinnett for up to 30 years to fund these projects.

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What's in the Plan?

The Transit SPLOST would fund up to 75 transit projects in Gwinnett’s Transit Plan, including:

  • Microtransit expansion to provide 100% countywide coverage
  • An airport ride to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • High-capacity transit systems like bus rapid transit and bus rapid transit lite
  • Enhanced and expanded county coverage by local bus
  • New transit transfer facilities

You Might Want to Know:

The proposed transit projects do not include heavy rail or MARTA services.

Proposed Service Overview Diagram

Proposed Transit Service Map

What Is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has dedicated lanes, traffic signal priority, and arrives every 10 to 15 minutes, providing fast and reliable service. BRT functions like light rail on rubber tires. The Sugarloaf area would be served by BRT stations at the Gas South District and Sugarloaf Mills, with service connecting the Sugarloaf area to Lawrenceville and the Doraville MARTA station.

What is Microtransit?

Microtransit is a flexible, on-demand service where riders can use an app to request and pay for their ride within local service zones in Gwinnett. The service will operate 18 hours a day, seven days a week with a maximum wait time of 20 minutes and will serve 100% of Gwinnett by 2033. The fare is currently $3 per trip and includes a free return ride if it occurs within 90 minutes of the first trip.

Examples of using Microtransit:

  • Trips to the local grocery store

  • Traveling to and from medical appointments

  • Heading home from after-school activities and/or work

microtransit- Ride ATL

What does transit expansion mean for the Sugarloaf CID?

The planned transit expansion will have a major impact on the Sugarloaf area. Expanding and enhancing transit ensures that everyone can get to and from their jobs, events, and errands throughout the county. With robust event, conference, hotel, and other tourism industries, visitors would also pay this additional sales tax as they purchase goods and some services within the county’s jurisdiction; additionally, all who use transit options would help contribute to these improvements. Check out our blog post from earlier this year for more details.

The proposed transit plan is directly aligned with Sugarloaf CID’s mission to promote a connected, safe, and attractive area.

How is our current transit system funded?

Gwinnett’s transit system, Ride Gwinnett, is funded by property owners through the County general fund, the federal government through federal funds and discretionary grants, and Ride Gwinnett customers through fares. This dedicated Transit SPLOST would be paid for by all consumers who purchase goods in Gwinnett.

Download the Ride Gwinnett app on your smartphone to see existing services and stay tuned for future updates.

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Cost Savings per dollar spent Graphic
Individual Savings Graphic

Testimonials

How Will the Transit Referendum Question Appear on the Ballot?

The transit referendum will appear as one of the last questions on the General Election ballot under the Special Election section. The transit referendum question will read:

English

Gwinnett County Transit SPLOST Referendum

Shall a special one percent sales and use tax be imposed in the special district consisting of Gwinnett County for a period of time not to exceed thirty (30) years and for the raising of funds for transit projects?

Spanish

SPLOST Referendo para proyectos de tránsito en el condado de Gwinnett

¿Debería ser aplicado un impuesto especial a las ventas del uno por ciento en el distrito especial que comprende el Condado de Gwinnett por un período de tiempo que no exceda los treinta (30) años y para la recaudación de fondos para proyectos de transporte público?

Resources

Click below for additional information and resources to learn more about the Transit Referendum Ballot and its impact.