The ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDs) broke ground on a new public transportation project planned for the South Metro Atlanta region.
Referred to as the “Automated Transit Network (ATN) Demonstration Pilot,” the project will create a free, on-demand transit link between the ATL SkyTrain at the Georgia International Convention Center and the Gateway Center Arena.
According to a press release, the system will run along a dedicated half-mile guideway and utilize automated vehicle technology developed by Glydways, a technology company that specializes in mass transit systems.
“We’re proud to collaborate with AACIDs to globally launch our first public operating system which will show how an automated transit system can help transform how people move,” said Chris Riley, chief commercial officer of Glydways. “This project will demonstrate how our technology can be scaled and replicated in other communities, creating safe, cost-effective transit options across the country, and globally.”
The groundbreaking took place during last week’s South Metro Development Outlook Conference (SMDO26), the largest development conference of its kind in South Metro Atlanta, with elected officials, industry professionals, and community leaders in attendance.
“This groundbreaking is more than just the start of construction; it underscores what’s possible when we invest in innovative solutions in South Metro Atlanta,” Gerald McDowell, executive director of AACIDs, said in the press release. “With the dedication of the Atlanta Personal Rapid Transit Solutions project team, our partners and support from local leaders, we are excited to launch a Demonstration Pilot that presents an innovative mobility solution for the future of transportation in our region.”
The initial half-mile route is scheduled to open to the public in December.
Future expansion plans across South Metro Atlanta will reportedly be guided by a feasibility study conducted by MARTA, which will evaluate the pilot program’s operational performance, vehicle/system capacity and scalability.