JTA changes bus route to avoid rock-throwing

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As a result of several rocks being thrown at a city bus in the Kona Avenue area, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority has temporarily changed its Route 18 service.

According to the JTA, rocks thrown at buses damaged the vehicles and alarmed passengers. No one was injured but several bus windows have been broken.

"The route change was instituted out of concern for the safety of the riding public and our employees," wrote JTA spokeswoman Leigh Ann Rassler in a statement.

The change will result in that route detouring to Free Avenue rather than using Kona Avenue between Bowlan and Acme street. There are bus stops at the corner of Free Avenue at Acme Street  and Free Avenue and Bowlan Street.

JTA is currently evaluating how long the route changes will remain in place and security options available.