First-of-its-kind autonomous shuttle pilot launches in Downtown West Palm Beach

A new chapter in urban mobility has begun in downtown West Palm Beach with the launch of a groundbreaking autonomous shuttle pilot. The initiative, led by Guident in partnership with Related Ross, Circuit Transit, and Estonia-based Auve Tech, introduces a 0.9-mile autonomous public transportation route using a fully electric, self-driving MiCa shuttle.

Image: Guident, Auve Tech

This marks the first U.S. deployment of the MiCa—an 8-seat Level 4 autonomous vehicle capable of operating without human input in complex urban environments. Already active in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the MiCa is now gathering real-world data on safety and efficiency right here in Florida. The pilot aims to redefine public transit with smarter, more sustainable technology and provide a glimpse into the future of urban infrastructure.

The City of West Palm Beach, through its Transportation and Mobility office, has embraced the project as a forward-thinking solution to evolving transit needs. The shuttle is available to the public, with real-time arrival information accessible via WPBgo.com/AV and the Transit app, supported by WPBgo’s sponsored Royale access for enhanced commuter tools.

The public-private collaboration reflects Related Ross’s broader mission to transform downtown West Palm Beach into a model of walkable, interconnected living. A longtime force behind the city’s growth, Related Ross has redefined the region with over 2.8 million square feet of commercial development, award-winning residential towers like The Laurel and South Flagler House, and cultural destinations such as CityPlace and the Harriet Himmel Theater. This latest mobility project adds to their commitment to sustainable, smart-city solutions.

Image: Map of MiCa, Downtown West Palm Beach

For Circuit Transit, the pilot is a natural evolution of its existing footprint in the city, where it currently operates the rideWPB and Downtown Development Authority services. Known for its electric shuttle network that spans major urban areas across the U.S., Circuit focuses on first- and last-mile connectivity, delivering over 10 million eco-friendly rides nationwide while reducing congestion and improving access.

Auve Tech, the designer and manufacturer of the MiCa shuttle, brings deep experience from its deployments in Japan, Germany, and Finland, among others. With robust fleet management tools and global operational insight, Auve Tech empowers developers and municipalities to integrate reliable autonomous transport into real-world settings.

At the heart of the effort is Guident, a company specializing in advanced autonomous vehicle monitoring and control technologies. By combining proprietary software with real-time oversight, Guident is working to make autonomy safer, smarter, and more scalable for the cities of tomorrow.

With major developers, transit innovators, and international mobility leaders aligned, the pilot represents a major step forward in reimagining how cities move—starting with West Palm Beach.

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