Proposed Transit Council Would Take On Traffic Congestion

ATLANTA, GA -- A bill in the Georgia General Assembly that would establish a statewide plan to improve the state's transportation infrastructure has cleared the Senate.

Senate Bill 6 would create the Georgia Regional Transit Council, which would develop a plan to tackle the state's lagging transportation network.

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and Senate Majority Whip Steve Gooch led the passage of the bill, the Senate Press Office said.

“We are bringing all the relevant stakeholders together to ensure that we maximize our state’s resources, making our entire infrastructure safer and more efficient,” Cagle said. “We are committed to addressing the transportation demands of today, but we must do so with an understanding of what the future infrastructure needs will be several years from now – with the continued breakthroughs in technology.”

The strategic plan for GRTC will include a road congestion relief proposal to develop a seamless transportation network with dependable trip times for commuters, additional limited access highways, safety enhancements and plans to adapt to future transportation innovations. The council will hold public hearings and seek input from professionals in the field of transit services to determine a proper course of action.

“We have to think big and look at the future of emerging transportation technologies, Gooch added. "Options like autonomous vehicles, Uber, Lyft and ride share should be utilized and made available in rural and suburban counties, as well as metro areas. This council will provide a comprehensive plan for our state to implement 21st century methods of providing first mile and last mile transit options.”

GRTC will ensure transit systems are operating at peak efficiency and exceeding the transportation needs of Georgia’s citizens.

“It is imperative that we bring together transit authorities and agencies from across the state to work as a unified body,” said Sen. Brandon Beach, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Every citizen in the state of Georgia relies on our transportation infrastructure and networks to move safely in and around our state whether they are going to work or simply running errands.”

The GRTC will be made up of three state senators, three state representatives, the Georgia Department of Transportation commissioner, the executive director of the State Road and Tollway Authority, CEO of MARTA along with county commissioner Chairs from Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.

Additionally, the Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah metropolitan planning organization chairs will serve on this influential council.

SB 6 now heads to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

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