Atlanta's first autonomous transit route — and newest robotic designated driver — launches in the West End on Friday.

Why it matters: The ATL Spoke is a one-year foray into technology that advocates say could solve the "last-mile" problem keeping some riders off transit.

• It comes as Atlanta prepares to host FIFA 2026 World Cup fans and during a tense tug-of-war over whether rail transit — or even transit at all — should be in the Beltline's future.

Zoom in: The Spoke will connect the West End MARTA Station to Lee & White, the mixed-use district along the Beltline's Southwest Trail that's home to breweries, restaurants, a climbing gym and more.

• Shuttles are free and will run every 12 to 15 minutes from noon to 10pm, seven days a week. The vehicles will operate from 8am to midnight on World Cup game days.

In the weeds: Beep uses Karsan Autonomous e-JEST electric shuttles, which are ADA-accessible and use cameras, sensors, lidar and GPS to navigate. They can carry 12 passengers

Fun fact: The shuttles are driverless, yes, but an attendant will ride along as the human authority figure.

Between the lines: Some Beltline rail advocates argue autonomous shuttles and pods are a poor substitute for the community-created rail transit vision long envisioned for the corridor.

• Supporters say driverless shuttles are cheaper and better suited to coexist with the joggers, bicyclists and pedestrians who pack the Beltline.

Beltline officials have said they view the shuttles and other modes as complementary, not competitive, to the project's overall transit vision.

The big picture: The route is the first public transit initiative in the history of Atlanta Beltline Inc., the city's nonprofit that plans and designs the project.

What's next: Phase two will extend the route to the Atlanta University Center this fall.

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Don't let the weekend pass without fanfare. Here are some events to fill that empty space on your calendar:

🎤 Gillian Welch and David Rawlings headline the 10th Amplify Decatur Music Festival. (Thurs.-Sun.)

⚾ The Braves wrap up their three-game series against the Blue Jays tonight and will host the Pirates at Truist Park this weekend. (Thurs.-Sun.)

🏀 The Atlanta Dream take on the Washington Mystics at Gateway Center Arena. (Sat.)

⚽ Smyrna kicks off its World Cup celebration in Village Green Park with an attempt to help break the world record for the most soccer balls juggled at the same time. (Sat.)

🪻 Take a deep breath and proceed at your own pace at the Roswell Lavender Festival. (Sat.)

🥳 Enjoy the block party with food, live music and an artist market at the annual Virginia-Highland SummerFest. (Sat.-Sun.)

🦋 Celebrate pollinators at the 27th annual Flying Colors Butterfly Festival at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. (Sat.-Sun.)

🎭 This weekend is your last chance to check out the 14th annual Fringe Festival. (through Sun.)

Find Pride events in Capital B's round-up

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The team behind the Your 3rd Spot entertainment venue near Chattahoochee Food Works will open a new food and gaming concept at the highly anticipated The CTR in Downtown Atlanta.

The latest: AMP Up1 Hospitality has signed a lease to operate in about 38,000 square feet of space at The CTR, the redevelopment project that seeks to transform the former CNN Center.

• The CTR's grand opening celebration is set for June 12-13.

Zoom in: The Looking Glass is an "immersive playground for adults," according to an AMP press release, and can accommodate up to 1,000 people.

• It will feature several rooms where visitors can choose which story they want to follow, immerse themselves in various chapters of each tale, and discover "different aspects of the world as they explore."
• AMP said construction will start after the World Cup ends, and hopes to open by The Looking Glass by the second quarter of 2027.

Catch up quick: The CTR is set to open next week and will feature a sprawling bar that can seat up to 60 people.

• Several dining concepts have also signed on, including Dessert Box, Flora D'Italia, Fuzzy's Seafood, La Tropical and Mimi Taqueria.
• Mastro's Ocean Club, an upscale steakhouse on the ground floor, will be The CTR's signature restaurant.

State of play: The CTR's grand opening celebration will take place days before Atlanta hosts its first 2026 FIFA World Cup match.

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Peabo Bryson, the legendary singer behind "Beauty and the Beast" and other hits, died in an Atlanta hospital Tuesday after he had a stroke. (AJC)

🍔 Months after filing for bankruptcy protection, Slutty Vegan owner Pinky Cole said the restaurant is expanding into the Washington, D.C. area. (WSB)

⚽️ Decatur FC, a semi-pro women's soccer team, is starting its third season. (Decaturish)