Beep Launched eJEST Autonomous Service in Altamonte Springs, USA

The City of Altamonte Springs, Florida has become the first municipality in the United States to integrate a fully autonomous, electric public transit bus into its transportation network — marking a defining step toward the future of mobility.

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The Autonomous Karsan eJEST has successfully completed the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Altoona Bus Testing Program and complies with U.S. federal vehicle safety and accessibility requirements. For transit agencies, this means the vehicle has undergone independent evaluation for areas such as durability, reliability, safety, maintainability, performance, and accessibility. It also provides confidence that the vehicle is designed to meet the standards expected for public transportation service in North America.

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Unveiled during the Florida Automated Vehicles (FAV) Summit 2025, our autonomous brings proven Level-4 automation to U.S. roads. Developed by Karsan Automotive, automated by ADASTEC Corp., powered by Beep, Inc.’s AutonomOS™ platform, and distributed through Damera Corporation, this compact and fully accessible electric minibus is designed for safe, sustainable, and reliable service.

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The Autonomous eJEST will play a key role in Phase 3 of the CraneRIDES program, connecting residents and visitors to SunRail and the wider Central Florida region. SunRail, Central Florida’s commuter rail system linking major cities including Orlando, Sanford, and Kissimmee. By connecting local transit with the regional rail network, CraneRIDES aims to make car-free commuting a convenient reality for residents and visitors alike.

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This initiative reflects Altamonte Springs’ leadership in smart mobility, sustainability, and technology-driven public service. For decades, the city has been a testing ground for forward-thinking infrastructure and environmental programs — and this milestone continues that legacy.

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With ADA compliance, a low-floor design, and intelligent automation that performs in mixed traffic and challenging weather, the eJEST Autonomous redefines what accessible, right-sized mobility looks like for modern cities.

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One of the most interesting observations from the launch event was how quickly passengers became comfortable with the autonomous experience. Rather than focusing solely on the technology, many participants described the ride in terms of safety, smoothness, comfort, and overall ride quality.

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Attendees noted the vehicle's calm and predictable operation, responsive driving behavior, good visibility, and comfortable passenger environment. Several participants commented on how naturally the vehicle integrated into the surrounding traffic environment and how quickly they developed confidence in its operation.

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The feedback also highlighted an important aspect of autonomous transit adoption: rider acceptance. While autonomous technology often generates curiosity, real-world experience allows passengers to evaluate how the service actually feels. For many riders, the experience shifted from curiosity about the technology to an appreciation of the overall transportation experience.

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The success of this launch highlights the strength of public and private cooperation. The partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the City of Altamonte Springs, and technology providers such as Beep, ADASTEC, Karsan, and Damera demonstrates how collaboration can turn innovation into real-world mobility solutions. Together, these organizations are creating a scalable model for safe, inclusive, and zero-emission autonomous transit — positioning Florida as a global leader in the evolution of connected transportation.