21-03-2025
Want a direct train from Atlanta to Savannah? Let GDOT know
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Have you ever wanted to ditch the traffic and travel from Savannah to Atlanta by train? As of now, the trip requires several transfers up and around the east coast, taking up to 24 hours.
Currently, the Amtrak routes serving Savannah include the 'Floridian,' from Chicago to Miami, southbound 'Palmetto' and northbound 'Silver Meteor' to and from New York. None of these routes include a stop in Atlanta, which carries the north and southbound 'Crescent Limited.'
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) wants to hear the public's opinions on a proposed intercity rail service that would connect Savannah and Atlanta.
GDOT is conducting a study as part of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development (ID) program, which centers both on expansion of Georgia's passenger rail system and a long-term system connecting Southeastern states.
The proposal for a passenger rail line connecting the Hostess City and the Big Peach has been in development since April 2022, with an initial $10 million allocated by the FRA in September 2023.
In the 2023, Amtrak served 56,709 riders in Savannah, compared to 68,319 in Atlanta.
The current project's schedule has phases of identifying structural needs and planning, budgeting, maintenance and gradual implementation before releasing the Environmental Impact Statement to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by 2028.
Part of the Alternative Analysis portion of this plan is seeking public input on possible additional stops to form the final route.
GDOT encouraged the public to take the official Atlanta to Savannah Intercity Passenger Rail Preference Survey.
The City of Richmond Hill is also asking residents for their input with this proposal.
You can share your opinion on this development by clicking here.
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