SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is asking residents to weigh in on a proposed intercity passenger rail corridor between Atlanta and Savannah, launching an online survey open through Aug. 6.
GDOT said the project remains in the planning stage and has no construction timeline as the agency studies costs, potential ridership and who would ultimately operate the service. Proposed stops under consideration include Athens, Milledgeville, Macon, Statesboro and Augusta.
The new survey follows outreach conducted about a year ago, when GDOT said it collected more than 5,000 responses. In that survey, 53% of respondents said they travel between Atlanta and Savannah at least a few times a year by car, and 79% said they have traveled by intercity rail, including Amtrak in Georgia.
Officials said public feedback is critical as the state evaluates options, including whether Amtrak could serve as an operator or whether other private or public models would make more sense.
“When we’re talking commuter rail, it really is one of the lengthier project timelines — lifespans if you will — just because of all the things that have to be done from a federal perspective, from an environmental perspective,” said Natalie Dale, a GDOT spokeswoman. “And again, the really important questions here are going to be ‘where does the money come from to build the rail? Or to use the rail?’ and ‘who runs it in the end? Who’s in charge of the rail?’”
GDOT has also pointed to possible benefits such as a smoother commute into Atlanta and added convenience for college students traveling to schools around the state, but the agency said the project depends on whether Georgians would use the service and what they would be willing to pay.
“Hopefully, those who think of it as something in the past haven’t yet really thought about how it can really benefit the future of Georgia from an economic development standpoint should this move forward,” Dale said. “But, we want to hear from you. We want to hear about that — want to hear your thoughts. Do you think it’s antiquated? Would you use it? What is the future of rail in Georgia?”
GDOT said the online survey will remain open through Aug. 6 as the agency continues its feasibility study.
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