Cumberland CID Autonomous Shuttle

WORK
CUMBERLAND CID AUTONOMOUS SHUTTLE

Services:

Strategy

PR & Comms

Marketing Orchestration

Autonomous Mobility

We brought Georgia’s first autonomous shuttle to market with an integrated launch that generated awareness, earned trust and drove early ridership.

When Cumberland Community Improvement District (CCID) launched its autonomous shuttle pilot in 2023, the goal was twofold: prove the safety and convenience of driverless, shared autonomous transit and generate public awareness. Working with CCID and key tech partners, we crafted a full service program including strategy development, messaging framework, launch events, design systems and media outreach that framed the pilot, called the Hopper, as safe, innovative and rider-ready.

The Hopper’s successful community reception and strong media presence laid the groundwork for a major next step: scaling into a fully operational autonomous mobility network. In late 2025, CCID and Cobb County secured a $6.6 million Federal Transit Administration grant through the Low or No Emission Vehicle Program to launch the Cumberland Autonomous Mobility (CAM) Network, a planned autonomous shuttle system that will connect people, jobs and destinations across the district.

How we help

Established public trust in emerging technology

We helped CCID introduce autonomous transit in a way that felt credible and approachable (even fun!), addressing safety concerns and lowering the barrier to first-time ridership.
Accelerated awareness for a first-of-its-kind pilot

Through a high-visibility launch strategy, we ensured the Hopper wasn’t just operational, it was widely known, discussed and experienced across the district.
Positioned CCID as a leader in mobility innovation

The program’s visibility and media traction reinforced CCID’s role as a forward-thinking driver of infrastructure, technology and economic development.
Created momentum for network expansion

The buzzworthy success of the launch and early adoption helped support CCID’s ability to scale the pilot into a fully integrated autonomous mobility network.

$ 325 K+

in earned media coverage

11000 +

riders (pilot)

93 %

approval rating

Integrated Launch Strategy

Turning Early Adoption into Long-Term Impact

From the exclusive VIP preview of the Hopper to a launch event that drew top civic leaders and press, Cumberland’s autonomous shuttle pilot was built to be experienced. Community rides, social content and sustained media outreach pushed coverage across local outlets and national media alike.

That early momentum and positive sentiment didn’t just translate into ridership. The pilot helped advance the broader Cumberland Sweep vision, laying the foundation for a fully integrated, operational autonomous mobility network that connects people, jobs and destinations across the district.

By combining strategic PR, stakeholder engagement and targeted storytelling, we helped transform an experimental pilot into a project with federal backing and a permanent place in the district’s re-energized transportation future.

How we built it

Insight-led message development

We conducted stakeholder and technology partner interviews to shape messaging focused on safety, usability and convenience.

Press-forward launch strategy

A phased rollout included a VIP preview for business leaders followed by a media-friendly public launch featuring government officials and shuttle demonstrations.

Integrated PR & media relations

We led ongoing outreach to local and national outlets, supported by press materials and spokesperson coordination.

Targeted content & measurement

Custom landing pages, rider surveys, and analytics tracking provided tailored information for key audiences and captured real-time feedback during the pilot.

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Cumberland's CID Autonomous Shuttle

Putting autonomous transit on the map in Georgia

We brought Georgia’s first autonomous shuttle to market with an integrated launch that generated awareness, earned trust and drove early ridership.

How we help

Established public trust in emerging technology

Accelerated awareness for a first-of-its-kind pilot

Positioned CCID as a leader in mobility innovation

Created momentum for network expansion