JTA to Expand CNG Bus Services with $16.9 Million Grant from US DOT

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) was awarded a $16.9 million Capital Investment Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The funds will be used for the First Coast Flyer Bus Rapid Transit East Corridor, or Red Line, which is the fourth segment of a five-phased First Coast Flyer system planned for the Jacksonville area.

The First Coast Flyer Red Line will operate with 19 energy efficient compressed natural gas buses, and the 18.5-mile line will be the longest corridor in the network and nearly doubles the footprint of the existing First Coast Flyer system.

“The signing of this Capital Investment Grant Agreement is another significant step in the First Coast Flyer program for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority,” said JTA Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. “The First Coast Flyer initiative has already transformed travel in the Northeast Florida region with the Green and Blue Lines which were launched in December 2015 and December 2016 respectively.”

The $33.9 million East Corridor project is funded by the FTA, Florida Department of Transportation and the JTA and includes 21 branded stations, transit signal priority at 32 intersections (holds green lights, allowing buses to move through intersections without stopping) and off-board fare collection.

“The continued growth and expansion of the First Coast Flyer is connecting our communities in exciting new ways. This added means of transportation between downtown and the beaches enhances our economic and cultural opportunities while improving safety and efficiency,” said Congressman John Rutherford (FL-04). “I commend JTA for its continued efforts to improve accessibility in our fast-growing communities.”

The Red Line is scheduled to launch in December 2018 on the East Corridor. It will operate between Rosa Parks Transit Station and the Jacksonville Beach along the Arlington Expressway and Beach Boulevard with stops at major destinations, including Florida State College Jacksonville South and Downtown Campuses.