Karsan has launched passenger operations of its Autonomous e-JEST electric minibus in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the company’s first autonomous public transport deployment in North America.
The vehicles are operating as part of the ATL Spoke pilot project, an autonomous transit initiative designed to improve connectivity between public transportation hubs and local destinations. The service provides free passenger transportation between MARTA’s West End Station and the Atlanta Beltline Southwest Trail.
The launch represents a significant milestone for Karsan as it expands its autonomous mobility activities beyond Europe into the United States.
First Autonomous Public Transit Pilot in Atlanta
The ATL Spoke project is being delivered through a partnership involving Atlanta Beltline, Beep, the Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority, the City of Atlanta, and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).
Karsan is participating alongside autonomous driving technology company ADASTEC, North American distributor Damera, and autonomous mobility service provider Beep.
The route is intended to improve access to key destinations including healthcare facilities, restaurants, educational institutions, and community spaces. Project partners also plan to extend the service to the Atlanta University Center later this summer.
Four Autonomous Vehicles in Daily Service
The deployment currently includes four Autonomous e-JEST vehicles operating on a scheduled basis throughout the week.
According to Karsan, the minibuses will run seven days a week, with departures approximately every 12 to 15 minutes.
The service is expected to play an important role during major events in Atlanta, including the world’s largest soccer tournament period, when transportation demand is anticipated to increase significantly.
The vehicles have been designed to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements, supporting passengers with diverse mobility needs.
Expanding Autonomous Mobility in North America
The Autonomous e-JEST builds on Karsan’s experience with autonomous public transportation systems following the deployment of its larger Autonomous e-ATAK model, which has been operating in real-world traffic conditions since 2021.
Karsan introduced the autonomous version of the e-JEST for European and North American markets in 2025 and subsequently secured an order for 10 vehicles in North America.
The Atlanta project represents the first large-scale public passenger deployment of the model in the region.
Industry Partners Highlight Scalability
Karsan Chief Executive Officer Okan Baş said the project demonstrates how autonomous and zero-emission transportation can be integrated into urban mobility networks.
“Throughout the project, the goal is to integrate zero-emission transportation technologies into urban life and promote the widespread adoption of sustainable mobility solutions,” said Baş.
“The launch of the Autonomous e-JEST in Atlanta will be a significant milestone in strengthening our presence in North America, following our successful autonomous mobility applications in Europe.”
Coordinated Autonomous Fleet Operations
One of the project’s distinguishing features is the deployment of multiple autonomous vehicles operating as part of a coordinated public transport network.
ADASTEC’s SAE Level 4 autonomous driving platform powers the vehicles, while Beep provides fleet management and operational oversight through its AutonomOS software platform.
ADASTEC CEO Ali Peker said the project demonstrates the transition from isolated autonomous vehicle deployments toward larger-scale public transportation networks.
“ATL Spoke represents a significant milestone in demonstrating how SAE Level-4 autonomous bus technology can move from individual deployments to coordinated fleet operations in a real public transportation network,” said Peker.
“With four Autonomous e-JEST vehicles operating in the same deployment, the project highlights the scalability of automated transit in a complex urban environment.”
Beep President and Chief Operating Officer Clayton Tino added that Atlanta provides an ideal environment for demonstrating the potential of autonomous public transportation services in urban settings.
Supporting Future Urban Mobility
Project partners view ATL Spoke as a test case for future neighborhood mobility solutions that can complement existing public transportation infrastructure.
“This project is piloting the future of neighborhood mobility in a way that improves access to transit and opportunity,” said Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline.
As cities continue exploring ways to reduce emissions and improve transportation accessibility, autonomous electric shuttles are increasingly being evaluated as a solution for connecting communities to major transit networks while reducing operating costs and environmental impact.
