“With another economic crisis now upon us due to the pandemic, we can’t let that history repeat itself,” the group said. “Even with this outbreak, we’re still going to have a lot of new neighbors in coming decades, and we’ll need better ways to get around and grow equitably, sustainably and affordably.”

The group also said it’s time to find a way to pay for transit in Atlanta “that doesn’t depend so much on volatile and regressive sales tax collections.”

MARTA's Hurley said last week it's too soon to say what steps the agency will take. But on the operating side, it's already taking drastic action, eliminating most of its bus routes for the foreseeable future.

Beltline Rail Now also has offered no details of its plans. But the group was a persistent, loud voice as MARTA unveiled its Atlanta expansion project list and the timetable for projects. This week's email suggests Beltline supporters will not remain silent if MARTA starts scaling back expansion plans.