Georgia Association of Railroad Passengers (GARP), newsletter for February 2012:

Ground was broken for the Atlanta Streetcar. When completed next year, the 2.7-mile line will connect the Martin Luther King Historic District with Centennial Olympic Park. Construction activities will start with utility relocation.

Discussion continues on the establishment of an umbrella agency by putting Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, currently a suburban bus operator, in charge of MARTA and many other local transit agencies in the Atlanta area. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says that this plan gives too much control to the state.

Ridership at all 5 Georgia Amtrak stations rose in FY 2011, 4.2% over FY 2010. As usual Atlanta was the busiest stop (despite its difficulties), with a 2% increase. Usage of Savannah's station went up 5% over the same time period.

It's been 9 years since a fire destroyed the Jesup Amtrak station (served only by the Silver Meteor). Reconstruction has finally started and should be done by the end of 2012. The depot, when it reopens, will include a community meeting room and a tourism office in addition to the Amtrak waiting room.