Wondering what is going on with transportation in the state?  Between the never-ending traffic, the recent spike in gas prices, and Obama’s infrastructure spending proposal, the topic is one that comes up often.  Now, the Metblog isn’t traditionally a political blog, and I’m not trying to turn it into one.  But, the circus is in town legislature is in session, and I thought that Metblog readers might appreciate a round-up to know what state and leaders have on the table to address the problems:

• MARTA is running out of money and may raise fares, close restrooms, eliminate weekend service, or eliminate service on one rail line to try and close the gap.  MARTA also wants the legislature to change regulations to let them spend more money on operations instead of capital projects.
• The Chamber of Commerce crowd is still trying to pass a local-option sales tax to fund transportation spending.  Lt. Governor Casey Cagle is on board with this after getting flack from the business crowd for stalling on it last year.
• House Speaker Glenn Richardson wants to pass a state-wide sales tax for infrastructure spending instead of the local tax.  The Governor is tentatively on board with this idea, but hasn’t actually declared support for either plan yet.
• State Rep. Jerry Keen wants to change the way that DOT board members are elected.  Currently board members are elected by state legislature, and Keen’s proposal would let the Speaker, the Lt. Gov, and the Gov pick the board.
• Gov. Perdue is going to try and reorganize the state’s hodge-podge of transportation agencies, and might wrap Keen’s proposal into his.
• No new developments regarding the BeltLine, streetcar, or commuter rail.  Both the BeltLine and Streetcar have applied for Obama-bucks, and Perdue expressed some support for commuter rail over the summer.
• The City of Atlanta has adopted a new long-term transportation plan, the Connect Atlanta plan.

I think that covers all the big stuff going on, but please add what I’ve missed in the comments section.