The proposed Athens-Atlanta Commuter Rail Project entered its final stage this week at a hearing held in the Classic Center.

The information-gathering process has been completed and the public is being asked for feedback.

“I hope the folks in Athens make their voice heard — not only to their local legislative members, but also to the state general assembly,” said Doug Stoner, a representative in the Georgia House Legislature.

“If we get the money required, and an agreement with the railroad to operate on the track, we will be running in a minimum of 3 years,” said Rick Merritt, an employee of the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority.

The Athens-Atlanta Commuter Rail will run a total of 72 miles and be constructed parallel to the existing mainline. Each coach will seat approximately 140 passengers and make stops at Bogart, Cedars Road, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Tucker and Winder.

“By having a direct connection to Atlanta, it is going to have a huge impact upon the University and Athens,” Stoner said.

Maps of proposed routes and features of the railroad were on display for public perusal at the meeting and representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) and other organizations were available for comment.

The purpose for the rail, according to the DOT, is to improve access to Atlanta for students, faculty and residents of the community, to optimize use of existing infrastructures and provide cost-effective transportation.

“There is too much of a need for something like this,” said Robin Hoag, mayor of Bogart and a University alumnus.

“Students commuting daily from Atlanta will be able to utilize the saved time for studies,” Hoag said.

The proposed plan supports state, regional and local transportation, air quality and development plans, according to the DOT.

An assessment of the social, economic and environmental effects in compliance with the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act also was conducted.

Stoner said the total estimate for the Athens-Atlanta rail is $1.5 billion.

“It is going to be the most cost effective (form of transportation) per mile,” Stoner said.

The current projected cost per person of the rail from Athens to Atlanta is $10.10 and will be competitive with buses.

“It can transport more people than any other transport system,” Stoner said.