MARTA wants cameras to enforce bus-only lanes

Context: For the second year, MARTA wants the state's OK to operate cameras mounted on the buses to ticket motorists who use the exclusive lane.

• 85% of the 2.5-mile route is planned to run in a separate lane to bypass traffic.

Flashback: Previous efforts to pass the measure hit a wall after lawmakers bundled the proposal with speed cameras in school zones — one of the most surprisingly contentious issues at the Capitol.

Catch up quick: Under MARTA's new proposal, the law would be set up as a pilot, sunsetting in five years to give lawmakers a chance to address any issues before any of the transit agency's future BRT routes are expected to open for service.

• Buses from Cobb, Gwinnett and other counties could use the lanes, as could emergency vehicles, creating a clear route to Grady Memorial Hospital.

• The first violation would result in a warning provided the motorist completes an online safety and awareness course.

State of play: MARTA officials have spent the past year lobbying House and Senate leadership.

• On Tuesday, lawmakers attending the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's annual Eggs n' Issues rode a MARTA bus to test the technology.

Threat level: A well-intentioned piece of legislation can easily become larded up with other measures and go down in flames, ultimately serving no one.

What's next: This year is make-or-break for MARTA's measure: The A-Line is scheduled to open this summer, according to the most recent report to City Hall.