Atlanta ... for work

I was in Atlanta for a business meeting yesterday. Though I didn't get to sight-see or shop, I did get to experience riding on the MARTA. I was rather impressed. I flew into the Airport and then immediatly hopped on my north bound train for Sandy Springs. I was fortunate that I never had to change trains (so I can't speak on the ease of this transition), but the leisure of not fighting traffic or getting lost in Atlanta was relaxing. I also tried to "blend in with the locals" by jamming on my IPod during my commute.
I know there are many spectics for the light-rail system in the Triangle (my lovely husband being one of them). But after experiencing what Atlanta had to offer, I feel like there may be a place for a light rail system in our own Urban/Suburban sprawl. Atlanta is the ultimate example of Southern sprawl and it seems to work for them. I will have to take a closer look at what the TTA proposal looked like. Also, I would be interested to know what the average Atlanta-ite thinks of their transportation system. Is it as convenient for someone who lives and works in the City as it was for an outsider? Would a light rail system effect me - good or bad - in my suburban home in Cary? Would I be able to use it to commute to my job in Morrisville? I hate my drive to and from work. It is extremely short milage-wise but it takes me FOREVER. If I could jam mindlessly on my IPod for those miles - it would probably make me a much more pleasant person.
It is something that I never put a lot of thought into, b/c it never came to a reality. But now I am curious.