ATL Spoke Launches as Atlanta’s First Autonomous Public Transit Service Pilot ATL Spoke Launches as Atlanta’s First Autonomous Public Transit Service Pilot 

The Atlanta Beltline is about to become more accessible than ever! On June 5th, Atlanta Beltline, in partnership with Beep,  the Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority (GTEA) (formerly Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority), City of Atlanta, and MARTA, will launch ATL Spoke, Atlanta’s first autonomous public transit service pilot project and the first program of its kind in Atlanta.  

Designed to provide greater connectivity around Southwest Atlanta, the ATL Spoke pilot will provide free daily rides between MARTA West End Station and Beltline’s Southwest Trail near Lee + White, which is home to Grady Health Clinic, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more. The route will expand to include the Atlanta University Center in late summer, just in time for the new school year. Residents, students, and visitors will finally have a high frequency “last mile” connection and gain a glimpse into the future of mobility in Atlanta, combining innovation, sustainability, and accessibility in an easy-to-use experience. 

“The ATL Spoke pilot is, first and foremost, a learning project. It is designed to test the technology, the use of autonomous operations on a higher capacity transit vehicle, and the service provider under real-world operating conditions in Southwest Atlanta,” shared Joe Iacobucci, Vice President of Transit Innovation at Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “Beyond demonstrating the technology, the pilot will help us gauge customer perception and help identify if this kind of service is valued for reaching the Beltline, and whether first/last mile autonomous shuttle connections between MARTA rail and a Beltline activity center are attractive to both local residents and visitors.”  

“Beyond demonstrating the technology, the pilot will help ABI gauge customer perception and help identify if this kind of service valued for reaching the Beltline, and whether first/last mile autonomous shuttle connections between MARTA rail and a Beltline activity center are attractive to both local residents and visitors.”  

Every vehicle is ADA accessible, making the service welcoming and convenient for riders of all abilities, including those who may have difficulty walking or biking longer distances. Each shuttle is equipped with advanced technology and includes a trained onboard attendant to assist passengers, answer questions, and ensure a safe and smooth ride. 

ATL Spoke pilot operates seven days a week. Regular hours are noon to 10:00 p.m. (10 hours per day), with vehicles arriving at stops every 12 to 15 minutes. On FIFA World Cup­ 26™ game days, the operation schedule will be extended to 16 hours a day from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Operations will be run all year with exceptions for three major holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Best of all, the entire 12-month pilot program is completely free to ride. 

Operations testing/soft launch will begin May 31st, giving the community an opportunity to see, experience, and test the shuttle ahead of its official June 5 debut. During this limited public operations period, the team will test continuous operations, evaluate rider experience, and observe overall performance in a live environment prior to full service. 

The pilot is supported by a $1.75M award from the Transit Trust Fund Program through the Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority (formally the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority) for turnkey autonomous service with local match provided by Atlanta Beltline Tax Allocation District funds. 

Beyond convenience, the pilot service is designed to strengthen connections between transit, local businesses, cultural destinations, and neighborhoods in Southwest Atlanta. By improving mobility for both residents and visitors, the initiative supports broader economic development, tourism, and sustainability goals through zero emission vehicles and expanded access to key destinations.  

In addition to launching this pilot and other initiatives, Atlanta Beltline is committed to developing transit to and around the Beltline. The ATL Spoke pilot represents an exciting next step toward a more connected Beltline and city. 

Learn more about ATL Spoke here.