JTA's New Bus System Debuts Today
After months of promotion and fanfare, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority's new network of bus routes begins today. Here's a look the new way to get around town.
Today is the first day of JTA's long awaited Route Optimization Initiative. All 34 routes have been redesigned to make transit more convenient and reliable for Jacksonville's local population. 22 routes now feature headways of 30 minutes or less. For your understanding and clarification, all bus fares have been waived for the first five days (December 1-5) of the transition.
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On December 1, 2014, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) will launch a new route system. For the first time in 30 years, almost every route will be new to make buses more frequent and more direct. Hours of operation will also be extended.Source: https://www.jtafla.com/News/showPage.aspx?news=383
“Knowing full well that such a significant transition may initially be challenging for many of our riders, we felt that offering complimentary fare during the first week of service will be one less concern while they learn to experience our new system, new routes, and new way of doing business,” said JTA’s Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr. “It will also allow our bus operators to focus on navigating these new routes and our staff to concentrate on assisting any customers who may need help.”
JTA will offer complimentary fare to fixed route and Community Shuttle customers from Monday, December 1 through Friday, December 5, 2014. However, if a Community Shuttle customer requests curbside service, an additional minimum fee of 50 cents will be charged. This special offer will not include the Riverside-Avondale Night Trolley or Connexion customers.
To find out how your current route is affected, visit Rosa Parks Transit Station and pick up a new yellow schedule or call JTA Customer Service at 904.630.3100 or TDD 904.630.3191.
Here's a new route map of JTA's entire mass transit network:
SEE LARGER MAP HERE
Update by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com