Automated Transit Networks Can Bridge the Gap

The ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts (AACIDs) Automated Transit Network (ATN) Pilot Project is a forward-looking initiative to help tackle the first-mile/last-mile mobility challenges in a 24/7 mobility district surrounding Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Building on the recommendations of the 2019 Transit Feasibility Study, which called for innovative approaches to supplement traditional transit options, this project positions Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) as a scalable, viable and sustainable solution.

Following a rigorous procurement process that involved collaboration between the CIDs, Fulton and Clayton Counties, City of College Park and MARTA, the Atlanta Personal Rapid Transit Solutions team, with Glydways providing the core PRT technology, was selected. The pilot will feature a half-mile, publicly accessible segment, serving as a proof of concept for regional integration and long-term scalability. Design is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025, with construction beginning in early 2026 and operations commencing no later than Q1 2027.

The pilot will offer a real-world worksite to assess technical performance, operational feasibility, and user acceptance. Public feedback on user experience will be actively collected during operations, providing critical data to inform future phases. This presentation will offer transportation professionals an in-depth look at the planning, collaborative design process, and the future implementation of the ATN pilot.