Time, money and stress are the three aspects of metro commuting

that GRTA (Georgia Regional Transportation Authority) officials

hope to address in launching an express bus service to seven outlying

counties such as Fayette, Coweta and Douglas.

While commuter coach routes are still about two years away, test

runs to target areas, and complimentary rides for county and municipal

officials are being conducted to gauge response to the proposed

service.

Jim Croy, GRTA's transportation director, said express buses

are just one part of the solution to metro Atlanta's battle

with traffic congestion and smog. Van pools, expansion of the HOV

lanes, fixed transit (trains, for instance) and park and ride stations

all must contribute to the success of a good system, he said.

Approximately $62 million has been approved in the Transportation

Improvement Program by GRTA and the U.S. Department of Transportation

to purchase a fleet of 180 to 220 buses. GRTA plans to phase in

the buses with an initial order of about 60 by early 2001.

A "commuter coach" manufactured by Motor Coach Industries

took officials from GRTA and counties targeted for service on a

ride along Interstate 20 Friday afternoon.

MCI representative Gene Hall compared the features of the "commuter

coach" to an average city bus. Upholstered seats, narrow aisles

and individual reading lights and air vents set the 49-seat vehicle

apart from the wide aisles and stiff vinyl seats of the typical

MARTA bus. "You can really get some work done," Hall said.

The idea is for city- or airport-bound commuters to take advantage

of a smooth ride and extra time gained by giving up the wheel of

their current mode of transport for "coach travel."

Substituting buses powered by compressed natural gas for cars run

on pollution-causing fuels is also expected to cut down on the dangerously

high levels of air pollution, according to GRTA officials.

No one from Fayette County's electorate took part in Friday's

transit promotion, but historically county officials have opposed

government-supported bus systems for Fayette, encouraging private

companies instead.