The Jacksonville Transportation Authority will be holding a series of public meetings from June 10 – 14 to give riders a chance to weigh in on proposed fare increases.
Under the plan, the cost of most trips would rise. Single-trip bus fares would jump from $1.50 to $1.75, and one-day passes would go from $4.00 to $4.50.
“The JTA has made significant investments with innovative services and technologies to expand the mobility of Jacksonville residents and the Northeast Florida region,” said JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. in an email to WJCT News.
JTA’s board is also considering an automatic fare indexing policy for future price hikes.
If adopted, JTA would automatically adjust fares based on a formula that looks at the Consumer Price Index, JTA’s operating budget and labor costs.
JTA didn’t break down the exact formula in its news release, but the Consumer Price Index rose 1.9% in 2018 and 2.1% percent in 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Under the plan, the fare indexing policy would begin on July 1, 2021. The board would then re-evaluate the automatic fare indexing every other year.
“The changes will allow the JTA to maintain sustainable financial plans in order to protect the Authority from fluctuating sales, gas tax revenues and changes in consumer behavior,” said Ford. “Most importantly, fares would remain among the lowest in the nation when compared to public transit authorities with similar service territories."
Once rider input has been collected JTA’s Board of Directors will decide whether to move forward with a public hearing.
JTA's last fare increase was in 2012, according to the transit agency.
The proposed fare hikes are as follows:
No price hikes are proposed for Connexion and Connexion Plus paratransit services or the free Skyway monorail system.
JTA’s outreach team will be visiting transit hubs, the St. Johns River Ferry and high-ridership bus stops beginning on June 3 to solicit feedback and answer questions.
In addition, the following public meetings will be held:
Monday, June 10:
Legends Center - 5130 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208
10 a.m. – Noon and 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 11
Scanlon Boat Ramp Community Center - 4870 Ocean Street, Jacksonville, FL 32233
8 – 10 a.m.
and
Pablo Creek Regional Library – Community Room A
13295 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32246
5 – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 12
Regency Square Branch Library – Community Room A
9900 Regency Square Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32225
4 – 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 13
FSCJ Downtown Campus: Large Auditorium, Room #A1068
501 W. State Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m.
Friday, June 14
Regency Square Branch Library – Community Room A
9900 Regency Square Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32225
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
