Latest news with #AtlantaBeltLine
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Atlanta BeltLine unveils driverless vehicle program. Not everyone is happy about it
The Atlanta BeltLine could begin a new driverless vehicle program in time for the World Cup. The proposed $3 million pilot plan would bring autonomous vehicles to the southwest trail. 'This project will provide service between the Atlanta Beltline Southwest Trail at the Lee + White Entertainment District and MARTA's West End Station and the Atlanta University Center,' Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, said. The vehicles would not go on the trail, but they would operate between MARTA and the BeltLine. RELATED STORIES: Atlanta mayor announces changing 'vision' of streetcar, Beltline access at MARTA board meeting Light rail transit system could be moving people along the Atlanta BeltLine by 2028 MARTA board approves plan to extend Atlanta Streetcar to Beltline Beltline Rail Now sent out a lengthy statement on Monday night, saying they applauded the city's 'commitment to innovation' but wondered why their plan to put light rail along the BeltLine was pulled by the city. 'In study after study, engineers have landed on light rail running alongside the trail as the best transit mode for the Beltline,' Beltline Rail Now Chairman Matthew Rao said. 'So naturally, we're mystified to see ABI roll out... cars. Actually, passenger vans. That sit in traffic. With no driver. But also no fixed schedule, no dedicated right of way, and no capacity to move more than a few people at a time. Just in time for the biggest sporting event on Earth, the FIFA World Cup. Did I mention they can't carry bikes or baby strollers? Groundbreaking.' 'Beltline Rail Now urges city leaders to prioritize long-term transit infrastructure that meets the scale of Atlanta's needs—not one-off pilot projects with the footprint of a large SUV,' a news release from Beltline Rail Now said. If approved, it would feature four driverless vehicles from Beep and would start service in January.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Developers warn that rising costs from Trump tariffs could slow building across Georgia
Atlanta continues to experience significant development and growth, with key projects like the Atlanta BeltLine and Centennial Yards transforming the metro Atlanta area. However, with the latest round of tariffs from the Trump administration driving up building costs, some developments could slow down. Mike Abebe, one of the largest private landowners in the city, is preparing to develop a 25-acre plot of land along the BeltLine. He told Channel 2's Brittany Kleinpeter that the tariffs shouldn't impact him—at least not yet. TRENDING STORIES: FBI arrests Lilburn man for making threats against President Trump, others in administration Victims, suspect identified in Walmart employee shootings that left 2 dead, 1 injured Delta passengers on 2 flights get to Atlanta 15 hours late after spending night stuck on tarmac 'Even if we started construction tomorrow, we'd be doing infrastructure work,' Abebe said. The land developer explains that because his BeltLine project is still in the pre-concept stage, changes in material costs won't affect him at this time. 'For those in the predevelopment stage or already under construction, they will be impacted immediately,' Abebe said. With other developments underway across the state—including a massive housing project in Waynesboro—Abebe said he understands the financial pressure tariffs can place on a developer. 'For a lot of developers, the margins are so thin. So, any fluctuation in labor or material costs is going to have an impact,' he said. 'They have to renegotiate with lenders and equity providers just to keep projects on track.' When the impacts could be seen are unclear as experts say it will take some time for the price changes to trickle down into the system. Sign in to access your portfolio
