New Director of Regional Transportation Authority Questioned By Some

Several are wary of the appointment of Steve Stancil as the new executive director of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority. Unlike his predecessor, who lost her job with the changing of administrations, Stancil does not have prior experience in urban planning or transportation. Although many say that his strength lies in the political skills he brings to the table, his opponents say that "he tends to play it safe politically and may not have the nerve to lead the region out of problems as polarizing as traffic congestion and air quality." As the new chief, Stancil will face many challenges: "Traffic congestion is worse than ever; air quality standards that the region so far has been unable to meet are about to get stricter; the money available for transportation improvements is far less than what's needed; and the region's primary transit provider, MARTA, is facing a financial crisis."