-
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.
-
Atlanta, GA – Beltline users, rejoice. The City of Atlanta has begun installing modern, high-tech public restrooms along the popular trail system as part of a broader partnership with Throne Labs to expand bathroom access across the city.
Four of the initial smart restroom units—known as Thrones—have already been placed along the Beltline Trail. Locations include areas near Piedmont Park, Lowery — Bedford Pine, Allene Avenue, and the Historic Ward Skatepark.
New Smart Restrooms Arrive on the Atlanta Beltline, Easing a Long-Standing Need for Public Facilities
City officials plan for additional units in parks and high-traffic areas, with reports indicating up to 10–12 Thrones deployed citywide in this initial rollout.
Innovative, Self-Contained Design
Throne Labs specializes in solar-powered, self-contained public restrooms that require no water or sewage connections, making them ideal for urban trails and parks like the Beltline. Each unit features advanced technology, including more than 21 sensors, running water, real-time cleanliness monitoring, and automatic cleaning systems between uses.
The restrooms emphasize accessibility and inclusivity, with designs welcoming to all users, including transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. Usage is typically limited to about 10 minutes per visit to ensure availability for others.
Throne Bathrooms: Easy Access for Everyone
Accessing a Throne is straightforward and designed with multiple options:
- Scan the QR code on the unit
- Send a text message
- Use the free Throne Bathroom Network app (available for iOS and Android), which shows real-time locations, cleanliness ratings, and allows one-tap door opening
- Tap a phoneless access card for those without a smartphone
The units are free to use, supporting the Beltline’s role as a welcoming public space for walkers, runners, cyclists, and families.
Addressing a Citywide Need
The initiative responds to frequent complaints from residents and visitors about limited public restroom access, particularly during longer outings on the Beltline or in parks. Many have shared stories of cutting workouts short or facing difficulties due to the lack of facilities.
“This is a game-changer for the Beltline,” one local runner told reporters. “We’ve needed this for years.”
City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation officials, along with Throne Labs representatives, celebrated the launch with a ribbon-cutting event in late May 2026. Throne Labs has indicated openness to expanding the network based on usage and community feedback.
The Beltline, already one of Atlanta’s premier attractions drawing millions of visitors annually, stands to benefit significantly from improved infrastructure. These smart restrooms represent a forward-thinking step toward making the city more livable and visitor-friendly.
Have you spotted a Throne on the Beltline yet? Share your experience in the comments below. As more units come online, we’ll continue to update this story with additional locations and user feedback.
Stay connected with Atlanta’s local news for more updates on city improvements and Beltline developments.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
-
In the heart of Atlanta’s bustling Krog District along the Eastside Beltline Trail, a familiar anchor space is getting a fresh, limited-time transformation.
The former home of BrewDog Atlanta—a popular craft brewery taproom that closed in early March 2026 after nearly four years—is set to reopen as LikeMinds, a dynamic 120-day pop-up experience focused on music, food, beverages, and fostering community.
Atlanta’s Vibrant Krog District Welcomes LikeMinds: A Temporary Hub for Music, Food, and Community Connection
Scheduled to launch in June 2026 and run through September, LikeMinds will occupy the expansive roughly 14,000–14,700-square-foot indoor-outdoor venue at 112 Krog Street NE.
Its prime location directly on the Beltline, across from Krog Street Market, positions it perfectly as a must-stop destination for locals and visitors exploring the trail, especially ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A Concept Built on Connection
LikeMinds bills itself as “Atlanta’s analog gathering place” with the tagline “Different Stories. Same Frequency.” The vision emphasizes belonging in a fast-paced world: “The world doesn’t need more places to go. It needs more places to belong.”
Co-creator Kelly Campbell, drawing from experience with Westside Motor Lounge (known for its indoor-outdoor vibe, curated menus, and the jazz kissa-style Echo Room), leads a collective of Atlanta hospitality veterans. Partners include Southern Culinary & Creative, Smith’s Olde Bar, Frazie’s Meat and Market, Bunker Design, and others with deep roots in the city’s scene.
“This idea started with a simple goal—create a space where people can find their people,” Campbell said. “What makes LikeMinds special is the team behind it. This is a group with shared history, shared values and a real passion for hospitality coming together to build something that only exists for a moment.”
What to Expect: Programming and Vibes
The space will feature:
- Live Music and Entertainment: A stage optimized for intimate live performances, vinyl selectors spinning records, guest DJs, and programming curated by Beau Nolen of Smith’s Olde Bar. Expect billiards, bar games, and an upgraded audio/visual setup for sports watch parties.
- Food and Drink: A full kitchen and bar with a menu highlighting local flavors. Frazie’s Meat + Market will provide signature sandwiches and sharables. Weekend brunch draws inspiration from Julian Hower’s Pho Cue concept. Dana Roberts of Westside Motor Lounge designs the beverage program, including craft cocktails, spirit-free options, beer, wine, and THC beverages.
- Atmosphere: Open seven days a week, blending indoor energy with outdoor Beltline views. It includes a pool table, big screens for games, and spaces for casual hangs or private events.
The pop-up aligns with the property owner’s (26th Street Partners) goals for an engaging, community-driven spot that spotlights Atlanta businesses.
Filling a Gap in a Prime Location
BrewDog’s sudden closure left a noticeable void in the Krog District, a walkable hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment near the Beltline’s Eastside Trail. LikeMinds offers a timely, energetic activation of the space during Atlanta’s busy summer season, capitalizing on foot traffic from trail users, Krog Street Market visitors, and citywide events.
While temporary, the concept’s focus on local talent and “analog” experiences (live music, vinyl, in-person connection) could leave a lasting impression—and potentially pave the way for future uses of the site.
Mark Your Calendar
LikeMinds is expected to open in June 2026. For the latest on opening details, events, watch parties, and partnerships, visit likemindsatl.com or follow updates on social media. Whether you’re into live jams, craft bites, or simply finding your people on the Beltline, this pop-up promises to be a summer highlight in Atlanta’s intown scene.
Atlanta’s creative hospitality community continues to innovate, turning vacancies into vibrant, fleeting moments of connection. LikeMinds is poised to deliver exactly that.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
Atlanta’s beloved outdoor electronic music gathering is back and bigger than ever. If you’re looking for cool things to do on the Beltline, you won’t want to miss this.
“Beats on the Beltline” Season 3, Episode 1 kicks off on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark (830 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30312).
A Free Day of EDM, Community, and Spring Vibes in Atlanta
This free, all-ages daytime EDM event brings together local DJs, artists, food vendors, and thousands of music lovers for a full day of dancing, picnicking, and genuine connection along the Atlanta Beltline.
What began as a casual park meetup has evolved into a major draw, regularly attracting 5,000+ attendees while preserving its relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere.
Organized by Atlanta EDM and Connect Atlanta, the event transforms the open field at the skatepark into a vibrant community hub.
Attendees can expect high-energy sets from local talent, plenty of space to flow, dance, or simply lounge on the grass, and a lineup of food options to keep the energy up throughout the day.
The event is explicitly family- and dog-friendly, making it a perfect spring outing for everyone.
Whether you’re bringing the kids, your four-legged friends, or just a blanket and good vibes, the day is designed for socializing, enjoying the outdoors, and soaking in the positive community spirit that has defined Beats on the Beltline since its early days.
As the season opener, this edition promises to set the tone for more unforgettable gatherings ahead. No tickets are required—just show up ready to move, connect, and celebrate Atlanta’s thriving EDM scene under the open sky.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, 830 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Cost: Free
- Vibe: Laid-back, inclusive, family- and dog-friendly
Mark your calendar, grab your crew (and your pup), and get ready for a full day of beats, sunshine, and Beltline magic. See you on the field!
Check out the best places to eat on the Beltline.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
In a major milestone for urban green space and ecological innovation, the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum has been officially recognized as the world’s longest linear arboretum.
Spanning 12.44 miles of completed trail, this living botanical collection transforms the city’s historic rail corridors into a vibrant, accessible showcase of nature right in the heart of Atlanta.
Beltline Has the World’s Longest Arboretum
The announcement from Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. highlights how the arboretum redefines urban redevelopment by seamlessly blending infrastructure, public trails, and biodiversity.
Accredited at Level II by ArbNet—an international network of over 900 arboreta—the designation celebrates two decades of dedicated work planting and stewarding trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers along the BeltLine corridor.What sets this apart as the longest linear arboretum is its continuous, linear design along the multi-use trails, featuring more than 647 unique tree and woody shrub species and cultivars across 106 genera.
Thanks to a long-standing partnership with Trees Atlanta, over 700,000 native plants have been installed, creating an ecological corridor that supports local wildlife, improves air quality, and provides essential shade for the millions of people who use the BeltLine each year.
“This achievement reflects 20 years of intentional design and collaboration,” said Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. “The trees along our trails offer shade, clean our air, and create an urban oasis where people can connect with nature—spotting birds, butterflies, and other species drawn to this habitat. As we mark our 20th anniversary and gear up to welcome visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, we’re proud to connect more than 45 neighborhoods not just with paths, but with a thriving ecological corridor of native Georgia plants.”
Greg Levine, Executive Director of Trees Atlanta, added: “Trees are iconic to Atlanta’s identity, and Georgia boasts incredible plant diversity. The BeltLine Arboretum is a vital part of our urban forest, demonstrating how greenspaces enhance health, wildlife, and the environment for everyone.”
Currently covering about 60 acres along nearly 13 miles of trail (with 12.44 miles officially counted for the designation), the arboretum is set to expand significantly. By summer 2026—just in time for Atlanta’s role hosting FIFA World Cup 26™ matches—more than 16.7 miles of mainline trail will be open.
The full 22-mile loop is targeted for completion by 2030, linking to over 400 acres of parks and 33 miles of connected greenways.This free, gateless public garden adds another world-class distinction to Atlanta’s resume, alongside the world’s busiest airport and the largest aquarium in the United States. It further cements the city’s reputation as a forward-thinking destination that prioritizes sustainability and quality of life.
Residents and visitors can explore the arboretum anytime along the BeltLine trails. For a deeper experience, Trees Atlanta offers free guided walking tours highlighting the botanical features, city views, and ecological benefits.
Final Word
As Atlanta continues to grow greener and more connected, the BeltLine Arboretum stands as a shining example of how thoughtful urban planning can create lasting environmental and community impact. Stay tuned for more openings and plantings in the months ahead!
-
The Atlanta Beltine is literally transforming the geographical face of the city in a large way. With work being done on several parts of the Beltline, from the Eastside Trail to the Southside Trail and more, city planners are using the project to spark economic progress on several fronts, including in housing and business development.
The Beltline is administrated by Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) and Atlanta BeltLine Partnership (ABP). These organizations are part of a private-public network that supports the celebrated project. They also support local businesses.
Recently, the Beltline secured funding for the 22-mile trail loop approved for multiple uses on the Northeast, Eastside and Southside trails.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Beltline and its many spokes, this article will shed some light on it for you.
Visiting Atlanta? Here’s What To Know About The Beltline
Far from just a spot to jog or walk your dog, the Beltline is the largest development project in modern U.S. history when you calculate the amount of space involved. There’s some pretty cool restaurants to eat at along the way.
Quick Links
- How Many Miles Is The Beltline?
- How Much Of The Beltline Is Completed?
- Is The Beltline Safe?
- Are Electric Scooters Allowed?
- How Many Trails Make Up The Beltline?
The Beltline is also designed to stimulate Atlanta’s workforce in a big way. Organizers and planners are on record as saying that the goal is to create 30,000 jobs by the year 2030. In late 2018, 11,200 jobs were created. They also have a goal of attracting $10 billion in development. Currently the figure is just under $5 million.
How Many Miles Is The Beltline?
How many miles of completed pathways and trails is anybody’s guess, but the Atlanta BeltLine is planned to loop 22 miles modern streetcar corridors and 33 miles of trails. When it comes to adjacent and encompassing parkland associated with the Beltline, 2,000 acres of green space will be incorporated into the project.
How Much Of The Atlanta Beltline Is Completed?
A lot of the Beltine is completed. Beltline organizers have said that an anticipated completion year of 2030 is the goal they are working toward. Of course, as projects scale and continue to innovate those projections could be modified.
Is The Beltline Safe?
The Beltline is safe, from the Eastside trail to the Southside. While there have been occasional crimes committed, there haven’t been any big headlines other than nightly protests on one part of the project or another.
Atlanta police have made arrests but there haven’t been any incidents of notoriety since.
Atlanta Beltline Safety Tips
If you want to feel safer when you walk the Beltline, follow these safety and security tips:
- To stop the spread of COVID-19, socially distance
- Always walk with another person if you’re uncomfortable
- Only walk in well-lighted areas. If a light is out, report it
- Don’t travel the Beltline after hours
Are Electric Scooters Allowed On The Beltline?
Yes, electric scooters are allowed on the Beltline, but they have restrictions.
Scooters are subject to the Reduced Speed Zone on weekday evenings (Monday – Thursday, 6 p.m. – 6 a.m.), weekends (Friday at 6 p.m. – Monday 6 a.m.), and state holidays (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.).
How Many Trails Make Up The Beltline?
The Beltline as of this writing, is made up of four trails so far. But eventually, the Beltline will stretch 33 miles and link more than 40 Atlanta neighborhoods.
Here’s what to know about each trail on the Beltline:
The Southside Trail
The Southside trail stretches from Grant Park in southeast Atlanta to the Adair Park neighborhood in southwest Atlanta. The Beltline originally had a funding gap, but was awarded additional federal funds to make the project happen.
Work crews for the past several months have been removing rail along the Southside Trail. The University Avenue to Avon Avenue corridor will connect to Hank Aaron Drive. Dense housing, job space.
Eastside Trail
The Eastside extension is in the midst of Phase 2 and runs from Kirkwood Avenue to Memorial Drive. Drainage and stormwater installations have been done, but restoration work continues. Tree installations and landscaping is set to take place in the first quarter of 2019. Work crews have begun pouring the trail around the Mauldin Bridge.
The Eastside Trail also has the Atlanta Beltline Center just south of Irwin Street. It’s a great resource to learn about the project and associated events.
The Northeast Trail
The Northeast Trail is about a 4-mile corridor that runs from Piedmont Park at Monroe Drive up to the Lindbergh MARTA Station in Buckhead. Part of the project includes helping replace the Georgia Power transmission tower. Beltline planners are seriously looking at the Monroe Drive crossing to see if it remains feasible.
Westside Trail
The Atlanta Beltline’s 2.5 miles corridor comprising the Westside Trail was completed in 2018. Hundreds of new trees were planted over the spring of 2018. An urban farm shed, including a 8.5 kilowatt solar photo-voltaic array, which makes sustainable lighting possible. Enota Park is also being designed in southwest Atlanta.
Murphy’s Crossing
The former marketplace at the corner of Murphy Avenue, Lee Street and Sylvan Road is currently being cleaned up and cleared out, but the developer has pulled out of the project.
The Beltline recently completed an acquisition that brings the development to 20 acres.
The area has been designated as a “food desert,” which means that fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods, are hard to come by here. The Beltline’s many proposals aim to remedy this situation by provided viable dining options in this impoverished area.
Last Words
The Atlanta Beltline is the most ambitious public project that Atlanta has ever done. Like a social media network, the Beltline brings people together and is designed to keep you there with choice restaurants, beautiful scenery and things to do.
If you plan to go to the Beltline soon, make sure you wear some comfortable shoes and remember to respect your neighbors by practicing proper social distancing.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: TJohnson@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
