Council liaison says JTA cut fares to $1 for fixed‑route and paratransit; members ask for earlier briefing
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Summary
Rockmund Johnson told the committee JTA reduced fixed‑route fares from $1.75 to $1 and paratransit from $2 to $1 (a 43% cut) and that public input meetings are scheduled in January; council members asked that JTA present sooner than February because of budget and service shift concerns.
Rockmund Johnson, the city council’s JTA liaison, told the Transportation, Energy and Utilities Committee that Jacksonville Transportation Authority leaders have lowered fixed‑route fares from $1.75 to $1 and cut paratransit fares from $2 to $1.
"We have now lowered the cost of the fixed route bus routes from $1.75 to $1," Johnson said, adding that the change represents a roughly 43% reduction. He also said the Navi microtransit service became complimentary on Dec. 15 and that JTA will hold public input meetings in January on routes and fleet updates.
Council members urged the liaison to bring a JTA briefing to committee sooner than the currently scheduled February presentation so the council can review budget variances and potential service impacts. One member said, "I have received some concerns from the community regarding a possible shift in the JTA's paratransit services and how it may impact that community," and asked that the subject be placed before the committee.
Why it matters: the fare reduction could change ridership patterns and revenue projections; members noted JTA recently reported a large swing from a projected under‑budget position to a multi‑million dollar overrun and said that overview makes an earlier, detailed briefing desirable.
Next steps: Rockmund Johnson will coordinate with JTA to try to secure an earlier presentation so the committee can examine the service and financial implications.
