Posted on: June 18, 2026 How will emerging technology shape our region’s transportation future? That was the question put to a diverse group of metro Atlanta leaders at ARC’s recent ConnectATL: In Focus. About 60 attendees took part in facilitated focus groups that dug deep into this topic from three angles: autonomous vehicles, micromobility networks, and advanced air mobility. Each focus group included a panel discussion and a “visioning session” in which participants were asked to imagine their ideal transportation future and the challenges this might bring. The feedback collected will be used to shape the development of Mobility 2055, ARC’s long-range Metropolitan Transportation Plan, which is set to be adopted in early 2028. Here are some of the main takeaways for each focus group topic: Session 1: Micromobility Scooters, e-bikes, bike share, and the infrastructure that supports them Panel Discussion: Carol Antunez, Government Relations Lead for Lime’s U.S. South region, said Atlanta’s micromobility market has reached a point of maturation. Since Lime’s 2019 launch, the city has seen more than 9 million trips, reflecting genuine transportation demand rather than novelty. Lillian King, Senior Manager of Business Intelligence at Lyft Urban Solutions, said bikeshare belongs alongside buses and trains as a core transit offering. Aaron Gaul, Principal at Alta Planning and Design, pointed to Portland and Seattle as a preview of where bikeshare is headed. In Portland, 42% of e-scooter users can’t ride a traditional bike. In Seattle, recipients of a $50 per month transportation subsidy are using micromobility twice as often as ride-hailing, at a fraction of the cost. Key Focus Group Themes: Safety comes first. Participants ranked it above cost and convenience as the top barrier to adoption. Protected lanes, separated paths, and safe crossings are ‘must-haves.’ Density isn’t destiny. Micromobility doesn’t require high density to thrive, as