b'PASSENGER TRANSPORTATL27PHOTO: DESMOND JONES PHOTOGRAPHYbetween the domestic and internationalguided through a clear, intuitive path that terminals. connects them quickly to hotels, parkingFACTS&FIGURES During the design phase, factors suchand regional transit options.Project: Ground Transportation Centeras peak travel hours and dwell times forTaroco notes that studies andLocation: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl Airportvarious other modes of transportationprojections informed the airports goals,Cost: $56 millionwere carefully considered, says Bannis.including the need to accommodateFunding: Airport revenue (100%)The GTC helps maintain a steady flow oflarger shuttle vehicles and making viableProject Timeline: Installation of underground traffic for shared-ride users and providesuse of available space for prearrangedutilities & sitework began in 2019, then paused for a covered space for safe, quick andpick-ups. Alleviating traffic congestionanother landside project; construction resumed in 2022 convenient access to designated pick-upwhere shuttle pick-ups were previously& ended summer 2025and drop-off locations. located emerged as a key priority. TheStrategy: Reconfigure roadways; relocate & Assignments are organized by aislearea was very narrow and situatedconsolidate shuttle & taxi operationsand zone to better manage passengerbetween the main domestic terminalConstruction: Clark Construction, Atkinson pick-up/drop-off locations and improveand the station for SkyTrain, whichConstruction & Technique Joint Venturetraffic flow. New stall assignments weretakes customers to/from the RentalEngineering & Architecture: ABSolute Joint Car Center. When large crowds ofVenture of AtkinsRalis for project management, phased in this June as part of ongoingarchitecture, canopy structural, mechanical/electrical/improvements to the West Curb. SkyTrain riders would use the crossplumbing, pavement & roadway; Brindley Pieters & walks, lengthy delays were created forAssociates for utilities & retaining wall structural; The airport added extra signage andground transportation vehicles, causingSoutheastern Engineering Inc. for drainagestaff direction to help passengers adjustcongestion on the main roadway system.Special Systems, Design, Technology: Burns to the new locations and system. TheseAlthough the new Ground Transportation& McDonnellimprovements are part of ATLs broaderCenter is located in a similar location,Electrical: Key Engineeringeffort to optimize ground transportationthese conflicts were engineered out. Signage: Valancourt Intl LLCand deliver a more seamless airport experience. Establishing a single location forConstruction Administration: HKS/FC/S&W Joint shuttle and taxi services, with theVenture with subcontractor AtkinsRalis as project Travelers no longer need to huntSkyTrain station for rental car customersmanager & construction administratorfor their ride or wade through curbsidein the same area, provides a centralKey Benefits: Enhances safety & efficiency; improves confusion, says Bannis. Instead, theyrethe passenger experience; reduces curbside congestionAirportImprovement.comNovember | December 2025'