The Cumberland area, like many others in Metro Atlanta, has heavily relied on cars as the primary mode of transportation. However, a new pilot program with the Florida-based startup Beep aims to transform this car-centric community into a hub for autonomous shuttle innovation. The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) recently launched the Cumberland Hopper, an 8-month pilot program in partnership with Beep. The goal is to make the Cumberland community more accessible through alternative transportation initiatives. The area is home to 30,000 residents and large corporations such as The Home Depot, The Weather Company, RaceTrac, and Papa John’s.
The pilot program will test two routes connecting office, retail, and residential areas around the popular Galleria Office Park and the bridge between the Galleria and The Battery Atlanta, where the Atlanta Braves play. This initiative is part of the larger Cumberland Sweep project, which aims to connect the community with multi-modal pathways and long-term visions of connecting key locations such as The Battery, The Cumberland Mall, the Cobb Performing Arts Center, and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The Cumberland CID, founded 35 years ago, is the oldest Community Improvement District in the State of Georgia. They bring together public and private funds to make the area more accessible. The partnership with Beep represents a commitment to investing in transformational projects and finding a cutting-edge partner in the autonomous mobility space.
Beep, already active in the Metro Atlanta area with autonomous shuttle projects in Peachtree Corners and the city’s Curiosity Lab, aims to showcase the advancements in smart city and autonomous vehicle innovation. By introducing autonomous shuttles that can reach a maximum speed of 15 mph and have sensors for detecting obstacles, the program seeks to get the public excited about the future of transportation.
Racquel Asa, Chief Marketing Officer for Beep, believes that making transportation fun and relatable helps alleviate concerns and fear associated with autonomous vehicles. When people understand the purpose and functionality of these innovations, it becomes less intimidating and more enticing.
Overall, the pilot program is a significant step toward transforming Cumberland into a more accessible and forward-thinking community that embraces alternative transportation solutions.
---
Autor(en)/Author(s): Karl-W. Huelsenbeck
Quelle/Source: Clayton County Register, 31.07.2023
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
