Atlanta Beltline Inc. (ABI) detailed plans for an autonomous shuttle pilot program connecting Atlanta University Center (AUC) to the West End MARTA station and the Southwest Trail.
The pilot program would run from January to December 2026, which means the driverless shuttles operated by Beep would be available during the FIFA World Cup matches happening next summer.
Beltline and Beep officials made the presentation during a special-called meeting of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority on May 12. Since the authority has $2.2 million remaining in its trust fund for the fiscal year, the Beltline asked for $1.75 million for the shuttle pilot.
Beltline Senior Transportation Engineer Shaun Green said the entire pilot program is expected to cost $3 million, with the remainder being shouldered by ABI.
The two mile route for the Beep shuttles would take visitors from the AUC campuses to a dedicated bay at West End MARTA station and then on to the Lee + White entertainment complex on the Beltline. The specially-outfitted Ford shuttles would run every 10 to 15 minutes.
Officials said the shuttle service might be free for riders during the pilot program, but is considering options for fare collection.
ABI President and CEO Clyde Higgs said the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected for the World Cup was the perfect time to experiment with the shuttle service.
“This kind of partnership and innovative thinking is exactly what will fill in the gaps in our existing transit system and help us begin to build inclusive and robust transportation options that include multiple transit modes providing direct connections to the Beltline and benefit all Atlantans,” Higgs said.
The authority is expected to vote on funding the pilot program at its June 5 meeting.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has called for more connectivity to the 22-mile Beltline Trail, including building four new infill MARTA Stations. Putting actual transit – and whether it should be a streetcar or autonomous vehicles – on the Beltline remains a contentious topic between the city, advocates, and proponents.
