The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is three months into a six-month fare modification pilot — and the early numbers are turning heads.
Launched in February, the pilot reduced fixed-route bus fares from $1.75 to $1.00 and Connexion Paratransit fares from $3.00 to $2.00. Fixed-route ridership has climbed more than 7% during the pilot period, with March alone up 14% — the highest ridership numbers the agency has seen since COVID.
“With gas prices on the rise and costs of everything going up, it’s wonderful to be able to offer a program to our community at a time where it can have a positive impact,” said Jessica Shepler, JTA senior vice president.
With school out, JTA is encouraging Jacksonville families to park the car and explore the city. The agency operates more than 34 routes with 2,500 stops across Jacksonville. Florida seniors ride fixed-route service for free, and all riders can plan and track trips in real time at myjtafla.com.
JTA also offers a range of specialized services — including door-to-door options for seniors and riders with disabilities through Connexion Plus, neighborhood on-demand rides through ReadiRide, and concierge-style transportation through Silver Ride.
Downtown Jacksonville is also home to NAVI, JTA’s neighborhood autonomous vehicle — and right now, rides are free. NAVI operates along the Bay Street Corridor and features onboard monitors that walk riders through the history of the technology.
For more information or to plan a trip, visit jtafla.com or download the mobile app at myjtafla.com.