Jacksonville Transportation Authority Approves $6.7 Million Study for Skyway Conversion to Autonomous Shuttle System

Jacksonville Transportation Authority Moves Forward with Skyway Conversion Study

Jacksonville, Fla. — In a significant development for the city’s public transport system, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) board has approved a $6.7 million contract to hire an outside firm. This firm will conduct a comprehensive study regarding the conversion of the Skyway into a track suitable for autonomous shuttles. This conversion is a part of Phase II of JTA’s ambitious project known as the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C).

Purpose of the Contract

The feasibility study aims to analyze the potential environmental impacts as well as the effects on historic buildings. Additionally, it will include gathering public input and assessing whether the Skyway conversion should proceed at all. Rahman Johnson, Council Liaison to JTA, emphasized the importance of this study, stating that it is necessary to avoid the city needing to repay about $100 million owed to the federal government for the existing Skyway line.

Financial Implications

“The reality is the Skyway is here now and we’ve gotta find something to do with it or we have to pay these funds back,” Johnson noted during the board meeting.

However, not all board members share the same enthusiasm. Councilmember Rory Diamond expressed his skepticism about the hefty price tag for the study. “If you need to spend six million dollars to decide whether or not to do something here in Jacksonville, the answer is, you shouldn’t do it,” he stated, echoing concerns expressed by residents about the safety and viability of converting the Skyway.

Funding Sources

The project, which is still in the early stages and currently lacks a finalized timeline or overall cost estimate, stands to receive at least $240 million from the city’s local option gas tax. Critics argue this figure indicates that the conversion could end up costing the city significantly more than it would save by not having to pay off the current Skyway infrastructure.

Debate Over Technology

Diamond raised key points about the uncertainty surrounding the technology involved in autonomous shuttles, stating, “The technology is not proven, we don’t have a budget, we don’t even know when it’s going to show up. We just gotta stop. We gotta quit now.”

On the other hand, Johnson is convinced that the project can have positive outcomes in the long term. “If we can use that in some way, shape, or form to help mobility around the city, I think we have a responsibility to do that,” he remarked.

Next Steps in the Study

According to JTA officials, the feasibility study will not only evaluate alternative options but will also include design plans that are expected to be about 30 percent complete. These plans will aim to transform the elevated Skyway into a Connected Automated Vehicle corridor that is aligned with the Bay Street Innovation Corridor, set to open in June 2025.

The ongoing discussions around the Skyway conversion reflect broader conversations about the future of urban mobility in Jacksonville and the potential benefits and challenges of integrating new technologies into existing transport systems.