For metro Atlanta, does first state transportation commission mean regional transit is coming?

A glimmer of hope for regional transit in metro Atlanta has appeared, with the convening of the first state-appointed panel for the purpose.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports the House Commission on Transit Governance & Funding has been created in accordance with a resolution last year by state representatives.

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston appointed 14 members to the panel to study potential collaborations between systems in the region. Among the members are leaders from three counties in the metro—Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett—representatives from three transit agencies in the state—Chatham Area Transit, Athens Transit System, and the Georgia Transit Association—and six members of the state House of Representatives.

The six representatives come from an array of areas, including Decatur, Dunwoody, Columbus, Lakeland, Cartersville, and Dawsonville.

The commission will be divided into three groups – six members of the state House of Representatives, four county or local transit agency officials, and four Georgia residents. Joining them is a state senator from Gainesville.

Notably missing from the list are representatives from the City of Atlanta and the state’s largest transportation system, MARTA.

The commission will have seven months to research potential points of collaboration between the region’s agencies to allow for easier movement around the metro.

Findings are due to the House of Representatives by the end of the year.

• Georgia House Speaker Ralston appoints transit study panel [Atlanta Business Chronicle]