JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Transportation Advisory Committee addressed concerns about combining its Connexion and Connexion Plus paratransit services during a packed meeting on Monday afternoon.
“Connexion Plus service is NOT ending,” a committee representative assured the crowd.
The meeting room overflowed with concerned residents seeking answers about the six-month fare modification pilot program affecting these services.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: JTA says it’s not discontinuing its Connexion paratransit services, but combining them for efficiency
The program, which starts on Feb. 1, will see both Connexion programs experience fare reductions. Additionally, Connexion Plus will introduce a $10 base charge for the first 8 miles, $3.50 per mile thereafter, and a cap of 40 trips per month.
A previous report on this topic can be watched on the video player below
Dr. Emily Townsend, a physical therapist who is blind, voiced frustration that JTAC was not consulted before the decisions were made.
“There was a question asked and never answered. Why was the JTAC never consulted before these decisions went through?” Townsend said.
She shared how much she relies on Connexion Plus daily for work, medical appointments, and volunteering.
“This decision was initially announced completely without our input. I am grateful to JTA for at least making some concessions without completely removing the Connexion Plus model,” Townsend said.
Jacksonville City Councilman Rahman Johnson, the council liaison to the JTA board, was also present. He explained the agency receives about $1 million from the city, with the rest of the funding coming from state, federal, and other sources.
Johnson said he is exploring whether the city can provide additional funds to help supplement the service during the pilot.
“I asked our Audit Team today is what funds, if any, are available so that we can supplement the service until we figure it out but just to make sure that the people who are in this service, using the service, have the ability to use it,” Johnson said.
Dr. Townsend hopes future JTA decisions will better consider the needs of people with disabilities and that communication on matters like these improves in the future.
Councilman Johnson encourages anyone with comments or concerns to email Connexion@JTAFLA.com.
The pilot program, which also includes a fare reduction for standard buses, will begin on Feb 1.