The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded $6.6 million to the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) and Cobb County, Georgia, to deploy the Cumberland Autonomous Mobility (CAM) Network.
This funding is provided through the FTA’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Program (Low-No). The award marks a significant precedent, identifying the Cumberland initiative as the first autonomous vehicle project in the U.S. to secure funding through this specific federal grant mechanism.
Highlights
- First AV project to receive FTA Low-No grant funding ($6.6 million).
- Beep, Inc. selected to operate a fleet of eight autonomous shuttles.
- AutonomOS™ platform will manage fleet orchestration and human-in-the-loop oversight.
- Service launch in 2027 will integrate with the regional CobbLinc transit system.
Deployment and Funding Specifications
The CAM Network will utilize the $6.6 million investment to deploy a fleet of eight ADA-accessible autonomous shuttles. The project aims to establish a connected public transit layer within the Cumberland district, specifically targeting first- and last-mile connectivity gaps.
The initiative integrates autonomous transit technology into the broader regional transportation system. Operations will function as part of CobbLinc, the county’s public transit operator. Service is scheduled to commence in 2027, allowing time for infrastructure readiness and system integration.
Technology Partner and Platform
Cumberland CID and Cobb County have partnered with Beep, Inc., a U.S.-based autonomous mobility solutions provider, to execute the deployment. This partnership builds on data collected from the 2023 “Cumberland Hopper” pilot program.
Beep will leverage its AI-enabled AutonomOS™ platform to manage the network. The system utilizes a “human-in-the-loop” oversight model, a critical component for ensuring safety and redundancy in public roadway operations.
Key capabilities of the AutonomOS™ technology include:
- Unified Service View: Aggregates service performance, fleet health, and on-road telemetry.
- Remote Intervention: Facilitates rapid response by remote supervisors for passenger safety or complex roadway scenarios.
- Real-Time Orchestration: An optimization engine designed to adjust service efficiency dynamically.
Infrastructure Integration
The autonomous network is designed to operate within the “Cumberland Sweep,” a multimodal path spanning over three miles. This infrastructure project prioritizes connectivity between commercial centers, residential areas, and transit hubs.
The route will connect high-traffic destinations including Truist Park, The Battery Atlanta, and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. By linking these assets with the autonomous fleet, the project aims to reduce vehicle congestion and validate the scalability of shared autonomous mobility in dense economic corridors.
For more information on the stakeholders involved, visit cumberlandcid.org or onecumberland.org.
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