MARTA's $10M Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Tackles Atlanta's Housing & Mobility Woes
Housing affordability tops the list of concerns for metro Atlanta residents, with 62% stating they can't afford another home in their current neighborhood. To tackle mobility issues, MARTA has invested $10 million in a pilot program using autonomous vehicles.
The Atlanta Regional Commission's Atlanta Speaks Survey revealed that nearly half of respondents anticipate living conditions worsening in the next few years. Traffic woes and safety concerns also pose significant challenges in the region.
In response, MARTA has launched a two-year pilot program with autonomous vehicle company Glydways. Starting in 2026, the project will operate between the SkyTrain and the Georgia International Convention Center/Gateway Arena. If successful, it could expand into south Fulton and Clayton counties, with discussions ongoing with Mayor Dickens and Beltline officials for further growth.
Meanwhile, another autonomous vehicle company, May Mobility, has partnered with the Atlanta Regional Commission to explore solutions for mobility issues. They plan to consider expansion into other regions in Southeast Asia using integrated mapping and autonomous driving technology.
The pilot programs aim to address mobility needs and improve living conditions in metro Atlanta. As housing affordability remains the top concern, innovative solutions like these could help alleviate some of the pressure on residents.
