If you’re looking for something to do out on the water for Memorial Day weekend, new changes with the St. Johns River ferry could make it easier.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority announced Thursday that extended service hours on Fridays will match weekend hours.
The ferry connects the north and south ends of Florida A1A. Service starts at 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday on the Mayport Village side and 6:15 a.m. at Fort George Island. The start times are 7 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
JTA spokesman David Cawton said the agency hopes to encourage more people to use the ferry this summer.
“So in essence, you’ll have another hour and a half each evening to catch the ferry back from either Mayport or Fort George Island," he said. "This is based on customer feedback and just the growing demand as we get into the summer months.”
JTA also completed $7.2 million worth of upgrades including making the car queue more safe and efficient.
A covered pavilion, landscaping and ADA accessible restrooms have also been added on the Mayport side.
