Streetcar executive director resigns

• Joeff Davis/CL File
• Tim Borchers

The city official who oversaw the Atlanta Streetcar's construction and operation has resigned from his post.

Tim Borchers, a career transit professional who came to the city in late 2013 after working and consulting on streetcar systems in Australia, Florida, and elsewhere, today handed in his resignation letter to Mayor Kasim Reed. He gave no reason in the letter for his exit.

"The opportunity to work for, and represent, the City of Atlanta on such a historic and transformative project has been a challenge and honor," Borchers writes. "The success achieved on this project is unparalleled in the nation due to the vision of Mayor Kasim Reed and the dedication behof the Atlanta Streetcar team assembled to complete the construction and begin operations."

He continues: "I feel my contribution to the project has played no small part in the Streetcar's success. My objective on hire was to open the initial segment of the streetcar system by the close of 2014. Not only was this objective achieved, the system has won accolades across the U.S... I appreciate the Atlanta Streetcar partners for their unfaltering faith in the project and my leadership. I wish you, the city, and the Atlanta Streetcar only the best in the future."

The Downtown figure-eight route between Centennial Olympic Park and the King Center is the first line in a proposed streetcar network that city officials envision eventually running throughout the city. Efforts to plan the network's routes are underway.

Funded by a $48 million federal grant, private dollars, and other cash, the route opened on Dec. 30, 2014, more than one year behind schedule and overbudget. Reed recently announced that the streetcar would remain free to ride for another year because officials were still ironing out the fare-collection technology system. As of April 12, city officials say, the streetcar has carried 210,138 passengers.

Anne Torres, Reed's spokeswoman, says Borchers' resignation is not related to the delay of implementing fares. She did not immediately respond when asked why Borchers chose to leave the position, or if city officials asked him to resign.

“Mr. Borchers was instrumental in the completion of construction and the 2014 opening of the Atlanta Streetcar," Torres says. She says the line has helped spark $840 million in investment along the route, has a strong safety record, and "robust ridership." The streetcar, she says, has become "an integral component of downtown."

City officials are conducting a national search, starting immediately, for Borchers' replacement, Torres says.