Atlanta Beltline Launches Autonomous Transit Shuttle Pilot

The Atlanta Beltline launched a 12-month pilot testing a two-mile autonomous shuttle to fill the city’s first- and last-mile transit gap. Called ATL Spoke, the free autonomous community shuttle connects to the West End MARTA Station, the Atlanta Beltline Southwest Trail, and other destinations in southwest Atlanta. A second phase will extend the route to the Atlanta University Center in time for the fall semester.

The pilot will help evaluate how autonomous transit technology can strengthen connections to existing rail and trail infrastructure, while ensuring safety. Each vehicle will be staffed with an attendant who can manually operate the vehicle, if needed, and assist customers.

The pilot is designed to test the technology, vehicle, and service provider under real-world conditions. “Everything we learn from this pilot project will inform how innovative first- and last-mile service can complement the full range of transit options we’re building along the Beltline corridor,” said Joe Iacobucci, Atlanta Beltline VP of transit innovation. “We’ll be collecting data on ridership and getting community feedback during the 12-month project to learn how the rest of our city can benefit from transit projects like these.”

The vehicles will navigate along a designated route, operated by Beep—the autonomous mobility service provider—through a control center. Vehicles have passed FTA’s bus testing program and are compliant with federal motor vehicle safety and accessibility requirements.

The project is funded by the Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority through a $1.75 million grant. Long-term investment in public transit produces economic returns of 5-to-1 and helps address access issues, as illustrated in APTA’s 2026 Public Transportation Fact Book. Atlanta Beltline President and CEO Clyde Higgs said, “This project is piloting the future of neighborhood mobility in a way that improves access to transit and opportunity.”