Glydways in California has begun construction of the world’s first publicly accessible automated transit network
South metro Atlanta is about to become home to a demonstration pilot project for a publicly accessible automated transportation network that utilizes autonomous electric vehicles on dedicated roads.
A new system that wants to implement it in Atlanta (USA) promises to put an end to “distressing traffic”, offering a capacity similar to that of the train, without the traditional costs or construction deadlines.
The California company behind the technology recently began work on the pilot circuit. The initial 0.8 km track connects the ATL SkyTrain at the Georgia International Convention Center to the Gateway Center Arena, and marks the world premiere of the company’s Automated Transit Network system.
It is a public free trial service scheduled for release in December 2026.
The company argues that cities need “whole new capacity” — additional transportation bandwidth that doesn’t compete with what already exists.
“Simply putting autonomous vehicles on open roads doesn’t really solve congestion”explained Mark Seeger, co-CEO and founder of Glydways, cited by .
“In many cities, the situation is getting worse,” he added.
The same magazine details that the company has already signed agreements with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and held conversations with employees in Tokyo, Florida, California and New York.
How does it work?
Glydways’ small electric passenger pods travel on purpose-built roads with their own private lanes — without competing for space with cars or getting stuck behind a garbage truck.
The system is coordinated by AI software to operate 24 hours a day.
The idea is that you request a ride through a cell phone app, which triggers the arrival of your own vehicle or one shared with your group, and then travels directly from point A to point B without any intermediate stops.
The company claims that its scale system has potential to transport 10,000 people per hour through a road just 2 meters wide — equaling LRT throughput, but without the huge infrastructure costs or decade-long construction timelines.
Furthermore, Glydways says its track infrastructure is implemented faster and cheaper than traditional rail systemsalthough the company did not disclose specific construction costs for the Atlanta pilot.
Because autonomous passenger vehicles operate in dedicated lanes, they can travel at consistent speeds in tight pelotonssomething impossible in mixed traffic.
The company’s economic model is also based on keeping operating costs low through no conductors, the use of electric propulsion and minimal maintenance in a controlled track system.
The Atlanta pilot’s initial route will serve as the system’s global proving ground.
As New Atlas points out, if it works, the model could be extended to airport connections, suburban tourist routes and other high-traffic corridors where traditional trains are too expensive.
“What starts in south metro Atlanta was designed for the world,” said the company’s chief commercial officer, Chris Riley, in a statement.
