Is it time for MARTA to head into Gwinnett County?

Survey finds many prefer combination of transportation options.

For one week at the end of August, Gwinnett leaders asked residents and commuters to weigh in on transportation in the county through the “GR8 Exchange on Transportation” using social media and an online survey.

When asked “If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about transportation in Gwinnett, what would it be,” the number one answer was traffic at 20 percent, with MARTA the second highest response at 11 percent.

Digging deeper, the survey asked respondents how they would ideally like to “get around in Gwinnett.”

The No. 1 response indicated commuters would like a combination of options. At the top, 42 percent would like to travel by train, followed closely at 39 percent by car, and 28 percent for more bus options.

But the subject of MARTA expanding into Gwinnett is always good for a heated debate.

The Gwinnett Chamber’s most recent survey indicated Gwinnett drivers want MARTA, but don’t relish a tax increase to make it happen. Results released this past spring showed 63 percent of 502 potential voters said they supported MARTA moving into the county, but only 50 percent of the respondents would support a one-percent sales tax to pay for the service.

Support was highest in cities closest to the perimeter in Norcross, Lilburn and Peachtree Corners with 70 percent support for joining MARTA.

Supporters say MARTA is needed to continue attracting businesses. Opponents worry the commuter rail might not be a cost effective option and worry about safety.

We’d like to know what you think. Is it time for voters to bring MARTA to Gwinnett?

A Gwinnett County Transit bus is shown at a MARTA station where passengers can catch rapid transit into Atlanta. Some residents say it’s time that MARTA expanded into Gwinnett County.