The Atlanta Beltline is set to become significantly more accessible with the launch of ATL Spoke, Atlanta’s first autonomous public transit service.
On June 5, the Atlanta Beltline, in partnership with Beep, the Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority (GTEA — formerly the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority), the City of Atlanta, and MARTA, will debut this groundbreaking pilot project — the first of its kind in the city.
ATL Spoke Launches in Atlanta: Connecting Southwest Atlanta
The ATL Spoke pilot is designed to improve connectivity in Southwest Atlanta by offering free daily rides between MARTA’s West End Station and the Beltline’s Southwest Trail near Lee + White (home to Grady Health Clinic, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more).
The route will expand in late summer to include the Atlanta University Center, timed perfectly for the start of the new school year. This high-frequency “last mile” connection will give residents, students, and visitors an easy, innovative link to the Beltline while offering a preview of Atlanta’s future of mobility.
“The ATL Spoke pilot is, first and foremost, a learning project,” said Joe Iacobucci, Vice President of Transit Innovation at Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “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.”
“Beyond demonstrating the technology, the pilot will help us gauge customer perception and determine whether this kind of service is valued for reaching the Beltline — and if first/last mile autonomous shuttle connections between MARTA rail and a Beltline activity center appeal to both local residents and visitors.”
ATL Spoke: Rider-Friendly Features
- Fully ADA accessible vehicles ensure the service is welcoming for riders of all abilities, including those who may have difficulty walking or biking longer distances.
- Each shuttle includes advanced safety technology and a trained onboard attendant to assist passengers, answer questions, and ensure a safe, smooth experience.
Service Details
- Schedule: Runs 7 days a week from noon to 10:00 p.m. (10 hours daily), with shuttles arriving every 12–15 minutes.
- FIFA World Cup 26™ game days: Extended to 16 hours (8:00 a.m. – midnight).
- Holidays: Operates year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
- Cost: Completely free for the entire 12-month pilot.
Soft Launch
Operations testing and a soft launch begin May 31, giving the community an early opportunity to experience the shuttles ahead of the official June 5 debut. During this period, the team will test continuous operations, gather rider feedback, and evaluate performance in a live environment.
Funding
The pilot is supported by a $1.75 million award from the Transit Trust Fund Program through the Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority, with local matching funds provided by Atlanta Beltline Tax Allocation District funds.
ATL Spoke represents an exciting step forward in making the Beltline more connected, sustainable, and accessible for everyone.