Perimeter CIDs are Testing Modern Transit Solutions for Commuters 

Perimeter’s transit is already a regional standout, but this year, the Perimeter CIDs are looking to take it to the next level. Late in 2025, the Perimeter CIDs won a Transit Trust Fund from the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority (ATL) to study new microtransit options in the Perimeter area, testing new solutions like on-demand or automated shuttles to bring more commuters to their destinations, without increasing traffic. Read on to find out what options the Perimeter CIDs are testing and what microtransit might mean for your commute.  

Bridging the last-mile gap

With three MARTA rail stations, MARTA and Xpress bus routes, and 9 free-to-ride private shuttles, you can get to a lot without a car—but the first and last miles of your trip might still be a long walk. To someday close that gap in your trip, the Perimeter CIDs are using the Transit Trust Fund grant to research three potential new options in the district’s transit network:  

1. An on-demand shuttle that connects to MARTA 

Similar to the new MARTA Reach service, this potential transportation option would cover a small but high-traffic designated service zone inside the Perimeter CID, providing rides as riders request them. Pickup points and destinations would be inside the service zone. The designated zone could potentially serve 100,000+ employees in the Perimeter area, taking them to any point inside the service zone or a MARTA bus or rail station to then travel even further.  

With this option, more commuters would be able to park at MARTA stations and ride the train into Perimeter, then use the shuttle to get right to their worksite. It could also allow employees to ride a little further to lunch, head to an off-site event after work, or connect to more landmarks that aren’t directly served by a bus route.  

Part of the Perimeter CIDs’ feasibility study will test whether an on-demand shuttle would serve more commuters and meet demand not covered by the current shuttle network, either with more connections or different service hours. 

2. Automated shuttles that run on a central route 

Another option the PCIDs might explore is an automated shuttle service. An automated shuttle could connect commuters within the core of Perimeter. The PCIDs’ study will explore the feasibility of running a fixed route. An example future route could be from the Dunwoody MARTA station, up Perimeter Center Parkway, east on Perimeter Center West, down Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, and west on Hammond Road back to the Dunwoody station.  

Similar to the Cumberland Sweep  service, these automated shuttles would likely only take right turns on their route, keeping the service running quickly with minimal traffic impacts. Potential routes might focus on connecting commuters to several Perimeter landmarks like High Street, Ashford Lane, Park Place, and Ravinia.  

3. Backup rides to work for Rapid Riders via rideshare 

To better support Rapid Ride vanpool groups in case of an emergency, the Perimeter CIDs will investigate a new Guaranteed Ride to Work feature for Rapid Ride commuters. These guaranteed rides would be provided to riders in case of emergencies like van trouble or family issues in the form of a free Uber or Lyft ride to their worksite. When claimed along with Georgia Commute Options’ Guaranteed Ride Home program, this feature could provide Rapid Riders with a way to work and back in case of an emergency. 

What this means for commuters 

Throughout 2026, the Perimeter CIDs will be surveying the community, engaging local employers and city governments, and collecting data to determine the impact of various microtransit options on commuters in Perimeter. Last-mile connections can help more residents and employees use transit daily, reducing traffic overload in the area—especially during peak commute times. Microtransit could also fill gaps in midday and after-work trips, allowing more people in Perimeter to enjoy local events, entertainment, and dining destinations. That’s why the Perimeter CIDs are exploring new microtransit applications: to bring more modern solutions to Perimeter’s everyday routine. 

To take advantage of current first- and last-mile options in Perimeter, try one of the 9 privately run shuttles to local worksites. The Perimeter CIDs and Perimeter Connects, their transportation program, are constantly working to make local commutes better. See how our programs can help you at https://perimeterconnects.com/commuters/.