Warnock Leads Bipartisan Push to Speed Up Transit Projects, Cut Red Tape Across Georgia

Commuter Train Breaking Through Red Tape

By Milton Kirby | Washington, D.C. | December 4, 2025

U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) is leading a new bipartisan push to fast-track transit projects across Georgia and the nation, unveiling legislation aimed at cutting federal red tape, reducing delays, and giving state agencies more control over construction reviews.

Warnock introduced the Streamline Transit Projects Act on Wednesday alongside Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and John Curtis (R-UT). The bill seeks to reduce the time it takes to approve and build transit projects—everything from new bus rapid transit corridors to station upgrades and light-rail improvements—by allowing qualified state and local transit agencies to conduct their own environmental reviews for low-impact projects.

State officials currently have that authority for highway construction, but not for transit. The sponsors argue that fixing this imbalance will help agencies deliver improvements more efficiently at a time when metropolitan regions are battling traffic congestion, rising emissions, and growing demand for reliable transit options.

A Push for Faster, More Flexible Transit Delivery

Warnock said the proposal will help Georgia communities receive modern transit improvements without years of avoidable delay.

“This bipartisan legislation will give transit agencies new tools to more quickly deliver projects that meet local needs and improve the ridership experience,” Warnock said. “By delivering transit projects faster, we can continue to invest in a brighter, more connected future for all who call Georgia home.”

The bill would streamline certain environmental reviews, reduce duplication, and allow states to use the same flexible process already applied to road construction—changes the senators say will accelerate project timelines without sacrificing environmental protections.

Support Across the Aisle

Co-sponsors emphasized the need for states and localities—not Washington—to take the lead on straightforward transit upgrades.

Sen. Mike Lee framed the legislation as a return of authority to states.
“Utah’s transit projects will be better off without the federal government meddling in every decision and holding up construction… Don’t tread on our TRAX!” Lee said.

Sen. Mark Kelly highlighted how long waits for routine approvals hurt everyday riders.
“Right now, simple transit projects can get tied up in years of red tape… Our bill cuts needless delays for low-impact projects so commuters see the benefits sooner.”

Sen. John Curtis said growing regions like Utah need faster tools to keep pace:
“This bill gives transit agencies the flexibility to meet local needs more efficiently… connect people, reduce traffic, and protect the environment we all treasure.”

MARTA Strongly Backs the Bill

Metro Atlanta’s transit agency offered quick support. MARTA Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt said the reforms would improve safety, mobility, and project delivery.

“Reducing unnecessary administrative hurdles will help us accelerate project approvals and deliver high-quality transit to the metro Atlanta region more efficiently,” Hunt said. He added that modernizing federal processes will help MARTA expand mobility options and strengthen safety and security for riders.

Part of Warnock’s Broader Transit Strategy

Warnock has been one of the Senate’s vocal advocates for public transit expansion, pushing for upgrades in Georgia’s rapidly growing metro areas and improving mobility in both urban and rural communities. He previously secured key provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to strengthen federal transit grant programs and support efforts to expand service statewide.

If enacted, the Streamline Transit Projects Act could smooth the path for major initiatives underway or planned across Georgia—including MARTA bus-rapid-transit corridors, station modernization, regional mobility upgrades, and new connections designed to reduce congestion as the state continues to grow.