Big Changes Could Come to Atlanta Transit in 2010

2010 may turn out to be a landmark year for public transportation in the Atlanta metropolitan area, with legislation that could let municipalities levy sales tax increases to help fund transit projects.

1 minute read

January 28, 2010, 8:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"On Jan. 14, Gov. Sonny Perdue, who has often stayed on the sidelines as others worked for transportation funding - or worked to defeat it - became the face of the battle to pass it. Together with developments in Washington, it makes for a head-turning moment for Atlanta transportation funding advocates.

But they're not pulling out the confetti just yet, especially after major funding proposals failed the past two legislative sessions. Whether the House and Senate can agree with Perdue on all-important details is yet to be seen. And even the most ambitious proposals on the table now may leave critical problems in limbo."

Governor Perdue is pushing the legislation to allow the sales tax increases throughout the state. This sort of tax increase could raise nearly $800 million per year for transportation projects in the Atlanta Metro area.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 in Atlanta Journal-Constitution

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

June 15 - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

June 15 - The Washington Post