JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Transit Authority stated that it’s not discontinuing its Connexion paratransit services, but is combining them for efficiency starting Feb. 1.
RELATED: JTA fare cuts came amid budget shortfall, lower NAVI ridership, city audit report shows
Multiple viewers reached out to News4JAX, concerned that the services for people with disabilities were being discontinued on Feb. 1 as part of JTA’s six-month service fare reduction program.
News4JAX reached out to JTA about their concerns and it said on Feb. 1, Connexion Plus will be rolled into the Connexion service. All Connexion Plus customers will still be able to book a Connexion ride online as they always have.
“The JTA is not discontinuing paratransit services. Qualified customers will still be able to get to work, doctor’s offices and other appointments using the JTA Connexion service,” JTA said. “As part of the Fare Modification Pilot Program, the JTA is testing combining its Connexion and Connexion Plus services to increase efficiency and lower operating costs. The primary difference is Connexion rides can be shared rides, while Connection Plus offers premium, private rides for customers.”
According to JTA’s website, Connexion provides destination-to-destination shared transportation for people who are functionally unable to use fixed-route services and for people who are transportation disadvantaged.
John Marcus uses JTA’s paratransit services every day. He said that without it, he wouldn’t have a job.
“I work Monday through Friday so without transportation, I wouldn’t have a job to go back and forth,” Marcus said.
For Jake Russell and Madeline McQuade, their concern is losing their independence because the shared rides could lead to longer wait times.
“I used this app to go to a friend’s house for a birthday party and I also used this app to go see a movie I wanted to see,” Russell said. “I use it to go to the gym at home. Discontinue it, how can I get to those places,” McQuade said.
Madeline’s mother, Kathy McQuade, said her concern is her daughter losing her job because of the bus running late due to the changes.
Riders can continue booking online using the JTA App. The cost of Connexion is being reduced from $3 to $2 as part of the fare modification pilot program.
JTA said it is changing its paratransit services because of the rising costs of the Connexion Plus service.
“By enhancing our existing Connexion service we will continue to provide excellent transportation options for our qualified paratransit customers,” JTA said.
Reservations can be made daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including weekends and holidays and they must be made at least one day in advance.
Click here to apply for eligibility and more information.
JTA is hosting a series of community meetings seeking feedback about long-term mobility planning:
- Jan. 13 at Legends Center, 5130 Soutel Drive, from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Jan. 14 at Regency Square Public Library, 9900 Regency Square Boulevard, from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
- Jan. 15 at Regency Square Public Library, from 1 to 3 p.m.