The Jacksonville Transportation Authority announced Friday it is partnering with a local business to offer “micro transit options” for riders traveling in Downtown, Riverside and Avondale.
Go Tuk’n was already offering its zero-emission Tuk Tuks rides in Jacksonville as a stand-alone business for things like brewery tours and private events, but this will allow the company to expand. Tuk Tuks are battery-powered, open-air, three-wheeled shuttles.
The new agreement formalizes service with Go Tuk’n and will include service at JTA-designated stops along the routes. A traditionally powered 14-passenger Tuk’n Bus is also being added that includes a lift for passengers with disabilities.
“This is the next step in the evolution of our business plan and we are so excited to see it come to life. We are passionate about supporting the Urban Core areas of Jacksonville and believe the Tuk’n Ride program will be one way to help our community grow and thrive,” said owner Stephanie Dale.
The new Tuk’n Ride service starts rolling out Monday, July 13.
- Tuk’n Ride service begins in the Downtown Jacksonville and Riverside will be available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Service in Avondale begins on July 17 and will be available Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- With support from the Riverside Avondale Preservation and the Historic Avondale Merchants Association, participating area merchants will offer a discount for Tuk’n Ride shuttle users. To receive the discounts, riders will show the merchant their booked and paid ride on the Tuk'n Ride app.
“There’s over 30 stops over in Avondale. And there’s over 28 in the Downtown-Riverside area,” Dale said. She’s also looking for additional sponsorships. Businesses can request stops at their front door for their employees with a sponsorship.
“Introducing micro transit options like Tuk’n Ride to LaVilla, Brooklyn, Riverside and Downtown Jacksonville will be critical as these neighborhoods continue to flourish,” said JTA Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. in an email to WJCT News. “Not only does this partnership benefit our customers, it furthers our commitment to working with small, minority and women-owned businesses,” said Ford.
All Go Tuk’n drivers will be wearing face coverings and will be doing additional cleaning and disinfecting of the vehicles. Hand sanitizer will also be available for passengers.
The Tuk’n Ride app, that includes maps and routes, is available for download from this webpage or in the Google Play and Apple app stores.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
