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

Josh Green

Mon, 05/12/2025 – 13:35

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

Josh Green

Mon, 05/12/2025 – 13:35

Atlanta Beltline Inc. officials revealed today they’ve been working on a program that could introduce autonomous vehicle passenger service to intown streets but not the 22-mile Beltline loop—at least not yet. 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

The test project would provide autonomous service for about two miles in Southwest Atlanta; specifically, the route would link colleges at Atlanta University Center to MARTA’s West End station, and then down to the Beltline at the Lee + White entertainment and office district. (The Beltline segment there is changing its name from the Westside Trail to the Southwest Trail.) 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

In a statement provided to Urbanize Atlanta, Beltline president and CEO Clyde Higgs said the pilot project with an autonomous mobility service provider will help the Beltline achieve its goals of creating a connected and integrated transportation network. “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….Follow us on social media: Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  • Beltline news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)

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Atlanta University Center
Beltline
Atlanta BeltLine
Beep
Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority
The ATL
Lee + White
Westside Trail
MARTA West End Station
West End
Alternate Transportation
Alternative Transportation
Southwest Trail
driverless vehicles
driverless cars
autonomous Shuttle
autonomous

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

Cumberland Community Improvement District’s “The Hopper.” Cumberland CID

A Beep autonomous vehicle in action in Orlando. Shutterstock

Recent example of a Beep vehicle displayed in Florida. Shutterstock

Subtitle
Pilot program would link Beltline at Lee + White district to MARTA, Atlanta University Center

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