The newest leg of the First Coast Flyer rapid bus transit system is scheduled to open before the end of the year and that has the Jacksonville Transportation Authority going on a hiring spree.
The 18.5-mile East Corridor, also known as the Red Line, will be the latest leg of the Flyer system. It will run from downtown to the Beaches.
“We are excited to continue to grow our team of skilled operators,” said Lisa Darnall, Vice President of JTA Transit Operations, in announcing 30 new operators will be hired by November.
A $16.9 million capital investment grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration is being used to help build out the Red Line.
The project has a total estimated cost of $33.9 million, with funding coming from a variety of sources.
The East Corridor, which will be the longest corridor in the First Coast Flyer network, will include transit signal priority at 32 intersections. The priority system holds green lights, allowing buses to move through intersections without stopping.
The Flyer extension will have 21 branded stations. The line will have fewer stops and offer 10-minute frequency during weekday peak hours and 15-minute frequency in weekday off peak hours.
JTA said Interested candidates must meet the following requirements in ordered to be considered for one of the openings:
• Be 21 years old or older.
• Have a high school diploma or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Have a Florida CDL license class A or B with airbrake and Passenger or Permit endorsement.
• Have a clean driving record with no more than three traffic violations in the last five years.
JTA spokeswoman Leigh Ann Rassler said good people skills are also important. “You’re out there, you’re the frontline, the face of JTA. You’re the one that interacts with the customer the most, every day. You get to know the people that ride your route and so somebody that is friendly, enjoys driving,” Rassler said.
Training classes for new hires are scheduled for August 20, September 24, October 22 and November 26. During the first seven weeks, new hires will receive $12.50 an hour during paid training. After completing initial training, starting pay for operators will be $14.00 an hour.
JTA offers a benefits package for operators that include group health benefits, a pension plan, paid vacation and holidays along with additional incentive pay for performance, attendance and safety.
Anyone interested can visit JTA’s careers website page for additional information.
WJCT's Cyd Hoskinson contributed to this report.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
