State Representative Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville), Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, announced the 2019 House Transit Proposal, which is a compilation of legislative priorities and recommendations from the House Commission on Transit Governance & Funding.

“Many areas of Georgia, particularly in rural counties with high poverty rates, do not have adequate public transportation services that would allow residents’ access to workforce opportunities, education or healthcare,” said Chairman Tanner. “The 2019 House Transit Proposal seeks to consolidate and rebuild the complex structure that manages Georgia’s transit systems, while promoting economic investment. The outcomes of these initiatives will allow the state to remain economically competitive and prosperous for Georgians, regardless of where they live.”

“This legislation is part of the House’s continuing commitment to improving transit across Georgia,” said Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge). “We recognize that a robust transportation network is key to economic opportunity in every corner of our state — urban, suburban and rural.  I want to thank Chairman Tanner for his willingness to address this critical issue with thoughtful legislation and look forward to it moving through the legislative process.”

The 2019 House Transit Proposal includes legislative measures that would streamline the state government agencies that oversee Georgia’s transit, address opportunities for local and regional input, encourage innovation and private-sector investments and include new state funding to keep Georgia competitive. The legislative efforts in this proposal also aim to increase government efficiency and leverage greater economies of scale to help free resources for expanded transit investment.

Additionally, the proposal recommends the elimination of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority and to replace it with the “Georgia Department of Mobility & Innovation” (GMobile). GMobile would serve as the lead agency for planning, funding and policy of mobility and transit, and it would consolidate the responsibilities that currently spread across six state-level agencies and authorities. The proposed legislative initiatives would also unify regional operating structures using “Mobility Zones” to deliver consistent services to regions across the state. The proposal’s funding priorities include transit SPLOST at the county level and a state sales tax replacement through a $.50 fee per trip using taxi, limousines and ride-hailing companies and a $.25 fee for pooled rides. Lastly, the proposal introduces innovative programs to incentivize local communities and the private sector to partner on creative new mobility solutions.