As Atlanta faces rising temperatures, the need for community-driven, climate-resilient infrastructure has never been greater. That’s why Propel ATL and MARTA Army analyzed embarked on a project to find locations where Trees Atlanta plantings could most benefit bus riders.
Our amazing volunteers collected and analyzed data on bus ridership, sidewalk survey, equity, existing tree canopy, heat islands, and planned sidewalk installations and bus rapid transit projects to identify areas of Atlanta where shade would make the greatest impact. They identified 3 locations that seemed to fit:
- Washington Park: Ashby Circle NW
- English Avenue: James P Brawley Drive NW (as well as a nearby bus stop in need of shade at the corner of Fox Street NW & Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard)
- Cascade Avenue/Road: Westhaven Drive SW
On Saturday, January 18th, Trees Atlanta volunteers planted trees on one of the routes identified: Westhaven Drive leading to MARTA route 71 Cascade.
Propel ATL
By planting shade-providing trees along high-ridership bus routes, the project not only makes transit more comfortable but also helps tackle climate change and social inequities in transportation.
The project has three primary goals:
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Enhance community resilience to climate change
By introducing shaded bus stops and routes, commuters—especially those walking or using wheelchairs—will experience relief from Atlanta’s intensifying heat. Shade trees can reduce perceived temperatures by 10–15 degrees, making transit safer and more appealing. -
Reduce inequities
Focused on neighborhoods most impacted by policies that have and continue to marginalize Black and brown people and communities, this initiative addresses systemic inequalities in Atlanta’s transit network by prioritizing areas that lack green infrastructure. -
Increase safe access to transit
Better infrastructure and shaded pathways encourage sustainable commuting options like walking, cycling, and public transit, fostering a healthier, safer city.
How It Worked:
Step 1: Data-Driven Decision Making
The first phase of the project involved gathering and analyzing key data:
- Bus ridership statistics
- Sidewalk coverage
- Heat island maps
- Existing tree canopy locations
- Planned infrastructure projects
Using this data, maps were created to pinpoint priority areas where shade trees would have the greatest impact. Trees Atlanta and community members and partners then reviewed the findings to determine where trees could fit and would meet community needs. .
Step 2: Planting Trees
Trees Atlanta, through their Urban Trees Program and Neighborhood Tree Planting Program, coordinates the planting and maintenance of appropriate tree species in designated locations.
Step 3: Repeat!
We hope to continue to align these efforts with Atlanta’s transportation infrastructure initiatives, such as Moving Atlanta Forward, to maximize the impact.
Focusing on Equity: Southwest and Northwest Atlanta
The project prioritizes Southwest and Northwest Atlanta neighborhoods—areas impacted by redlining and systemic neglect and racism. These communities suffer disproportionately from the urban heat island effect and limited green infrastructure, and have higher rates of pedestrian and transit use. By addressing disparities, the project aims to right wrongs and create a more equitable city.
Why This Matters
- Climate Action: Planting trees reduces carbon emissions and mitigates the urban heat island effect, making Atlanta more resilient to climate change.
- Health & Safety: Shade trees improve physical comfort and reduce risks associated with extreme heat for people riding transit, walking, or biking/scooting.
- Equity & Justice: Addressing infrastructure gaps to foster a more inclusive and sustainable city.
Do you have a location where shade would make a difference as people walk to a bus stop or wait for the bus? Tell us!