JONESBORO, Ga. -- Viola Novell lives in Forest Park and takes C-TRAN daily. A para-transit bus picks her up outside her building. She uses C-TRAN to go to the grocery store, run errands and attend twice weekly doctor appointments.

"I go twice a week to get physical therapy," said Novell. "It's very important that I get to my appointments."

When Novell can't use the bus at her door, she rides her wheelchair a block up the street to the bus stop. Without the bus service, Novell said she'll have no other transportation.

"I will be a shut-in from then on," said Novell.

State Representative Roberta Abdul-Salaam said new legislation will help riders like Novell.

"It will allow Clayton County to raise its sales tax cap and collect an additional 1 cent for public transit," said Salaam. "Hopefully, we can continue to have public transit in Clayton County."

CBS Atlanta asked Salaam if a tax increase would put the burden on residents already struggling to get by.

"The people who are already struggling, the 8,500 riders a day, are gonna be without jobs if we don't do something," said Salaam.

She admitted that, even if it passed quickly, the bill wouldn't be able to raise the needed revenue to keep C-TRAN from shutting down March 31. But Salaam hoped the show of support from legislators will convince Clayton County commissioners to rescind their vote. Riders like Novell agreed.

"We need it badly," said Novell.