Atlanta Beltline Inc. aims to launch driverless vehicle route next year

Josh Green

Mon, 05/12/2025 – 13:35

The Beltline’s plans came to light during a specially called Regional Transit Planning Committee Meeting of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority, or ATL, this morning.

Presenting alongside officials with Beep, an Orlando-based autonomous shuttle builder, Beltline leaders requested $1.75 million from the ATL Board for a 12-month pilot program that would include four Beep driverless vehicles, all launching in time for 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Atlanta.

Recent example of a Beep vehicle displayed in Florida. Shutterstock

A Beep autonomous vehicle in action in Orlando. Shutterstock

Beltline officials have been working for two years with Beep to launch a test project in Atlanta, which they expect to cost $3 million overall, according to the AJC. Should the funding be approved, the Beep shuttles would be rolling with passenger service in January, per Beltline leaders.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens made waves last year after suggesting in a WABE interview that driverless pods—or bus rapid transit vehicles—could be viable alternatives to Beltline rail, noting the city had hired outside consultants to study transit options and provide a breakdown of costs, including potential fare prices.

The ATL Board is expected to vote on the Beep funding proposal next month.

A vehicle in the Cumberland Community Improvement District’s pilot AV program dubbed “The Hopper.” Cumberland CID

“This kind of partnership and innovative thinking is exactly what will fill in the gaps in our existing transit system,” noted Higgs, “and help us begin to build inclusive and robust transportation options that include multiple transit modes providing direct connections to the Beltline.”

Beep describes itself as the leader in providing purpose-built driverless shuttles in the U.S., with two dozen “deployments” spread across six states, including the Cumberland Community Improvement District’s “The Hopper” pilot program.

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