The multi-modal station downtown symbolizes Athens-Clarke County’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure. The Brain Train acts as a means to alleviate traffic and pollution while promoting smart economic development along the Highway 316 research corridor.

This line connects the major research universities, major research centers, suburban residential areas and private research and development efforts from downtown Athens to downtown Atlanta.

The research-academic corridor means more jobs and improved quality of life for Athens residents.

Implementation of the Brain Train would save $730 million in new road construction.

Passenger rail means cleaner air, less congestion, and a more efficient transportation alternative.

In addition to creating a cleaner, safer, more efficient mode of transportation, there are economic benefits to The Brain Train as well.

First, roughly 80 percent of the costs associated with setting up the line could come from Federal funding – freeing up tens of millions of state dollars we can dedicate to putting more teachers in our classrooms, funding state health care programs or any number of other worthy initiatives.

Additionally, investment in our transportation infrastructure will attract new employers to the region.

This line can have a direct and positive affect on students by increasing their quality job prospects in our area, provide safe travel to recreational events in Atlanta and on and on.

I can provide the trusted voice necessary to show how multi-modal transportation will best serve the needs of the traveling public while benefiting the communities along the passenger rail line.

The next session in the legislature will serve as a battlefield to determine the sources of revenue to fund costs and improvements in Georgia's transportation infrastructure.

The Passenger Rail Awareness Day at the Capitol on Feb. 9, 2007 will be a great chance to continue to move the Brain Train initiative forward.

Now is a key time when many leaders from both parties along the proposed line have shown willingness to look at commuter rail to help solve our transportation problems.

The initiative requires a leader who doesn’t just agree in principal, but can take charge and offer perspective on the issue while actively listening to input from all concerned parties.

I will continue to make The Brain Train a top priority.

Once we secure investment from the Georgia Legislature to create functioning commuter rail from Athens to downtown Atlanta, we will make significant improvements in education, environmental health, and economic development.

- E.H. Culpepper is an independent candidate running for State House District 115.