Terminal Station in downtown Macon General Information: Telephone Number: (478) 751-7475 Mr. Don Tussing, Macon-Bibb Planning & Zoning Commission

With the planned reintroduction of passenger rail service in Georgia, and Macon featured on potential routes for commuter, intercity and high-speed rail, a need exists to thoughtfully examine the best opportunities to integrate these transportation services into Macon's community fabric. Plans for these services must be linked to ongoing economic development plans and revitalization efforts. In order to address this need, the Macon-Bibb County Planning Commission has contracted with DayWilburn Associates, Inc. to develop an Intermodal Passenger Terminal Facilities Plan. This plan will identify a preferred location for a future intermodal facility supporting intercity rail, local bus, downtown circulators, bicycles, pedestrians, and other appropriate travel modes. This plan will also recommend operating functions and space requirements for the future operating years of 2005, 2010, and 2020.

The efficiency and effectiveness of any rail service is based on the ability to provide quick, safe and efficient access to the rail line. Intermodal facilities play a central role in achieving this. The location of the facility will also have a significant role in shaping land use and future development. Identifying the best location and determining the right combination of transportation and support services is critical to achieving efforts to attract and retain industries, sustain economic competitiveness, while still maintaining Macon-Bibb's cultural heritage.

The former passenger rail facility at Terminal Station in downtown Macon has received significant attention as the site for the proposed Intermodal Passenger Terminal Facility. Due to its proximity to the Central Business District and access to the regional highway network, this location appears to hold significant promise. Downtown revitalization efforts will also be supported through the reuse of this facility. However, there is a need to conduct further analyses on this and other potential sites to demonstrate that the Terminal Station is a logical choice in meeting the transportation needs of the community.

The first step in developing the passenger terminal facilities plan is to gain key input from the community stakeholders and the general public who will be affected by the plan and will play an important role in implementing it. City residents, churches, community organizations, business owners, property owners, bankers, developers, and community leaders are all stakeholders. To ensure a thorough understanding of all the needs, issues and concerns of Macon-Bibb stakeholders, two public information meetings will be held to garner feedback on local transportation needs between now and July 2001 when this planning effort is completed. The first meeting took place on Tuesday, April 24th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall, 700 Poplar St. The next meeting will be scheduled in May, 2001.

A steering committee of stakeholders, government officials, community organizations and citizens has also been established to guide the development of the terminal facility and provide feedback on proposed locations, services operational characteristics and related community development opportunities.

For more information, please contact:
Mr. Don Tussing,
Macon-Bibb Planning & Zoning Commission,
(478) 751-7475