Atlanta Launches World's First Automated Public Transit System

Robot vehicles on dedicated guideways promise rail capacity at bus costs

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Atlanta is launching the world's first fully automated on-demand public transit system in December 2026, featuring five AI-coordinated 'Glydcars' that will operate on a dedicated 0.5-mile guideway and carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour at speeds up to 31 mph. The system, developed by Glydways, aims to provide rail-level capacity at bus fare costs by eliminating driver salaries, using electric propulsion, and reducing maintenance from the controlled environment.

Why it matters

If successful, this pilot could pave the way for rapid global expansion of autonomous transit systems, allowing cities to redirect infrastructure spending from costly rail projects to more quickly deployable guideway systems. However, the economic viability of the model remains uncertain, and failure could relegate autonomous transit to limited, controlled environments.

The details

The Glydways system features five autonomous 'Glydcars' equipped with 20 LiDAR sensors that will operate on a dedicated 2-meter-wide guideway, completely separated from regular traffic. Passengers can request a ride via an app, and the system will dispatch a vehicle with potential ride-sharing to matched destinations. Glydways claims the system can achieve rail-level capacity at bus fare costs by eliminating driver salaries, using electric propulsion, and reducing maintenance from the controlled environment.

  • Glydways broke ground on the project in 2026.
  • The Glydways system is scheduled to launch in December 2026.
  • The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will conduct a feasibility study in 2028 to determine regional expansion potential.

The players

Glydways

The company developing the automated public transit system in Atlanta.

Mark Seeger

The co-CEO of Glydways.

Chris Riley

The Chief Commercial Officer of Glydways.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

The agency that will conduct a feasibility study to determine regional expansion potential for the Glydways system.

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What they’re saying

“Just putting autonomous vehicles on open roads doesn't actually solve congestion. In many cities, it makes it worse.”

— Mark Seeger, Co-CEO, Glydways

“What begins in South Metro Atlanta is designed for the world.”

— Chris Riley, Chief Commercial Officer, Glydways

What’s next

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will conduct a feasibility study in 2028 to determine the regional expansion potential for the Glydways automated transit system.

The takeaway

Atlanta's pioneering automated public transit system has the potential to revolutionize urban mobility, but its long-term success will depend on whether the economic model can withstand the realities of large-scale, city-wide operations beyond the controlled environment of the initial pilot.