Better Together

Meet NAVI Shuttle Attendant Carlos – The Heartbeat of the JTA

As a NAVI Shuttle Attendant, Carlos helps ensure vehicles are ready for service, supports customers throughout their journey, and serves as a guide to Jacksonville's innovative autonomous mobility system.

From answering questions and providing directions to helping passengers feel comfortable while experiencing this new technology, Carlos takes pride in delivering a safe, welcoming, and memorable journey for everyone who steps on board.

For him, NAVI is more than transportation—it's an opportunity to connect people with innovation, education, and the Jacksonville community.

Honoring America’s Past and Driving the Future

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority was honored to welcome U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, Seval Oz, to Jacksonville for a special visit recognizing both the nation's transportation legacy and its future.

During her visit, the JTA unveiled a commemorative America250 wrapped bus honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and America's semiquincentennial celebration.

Following the unveiling, Assistant Secretary Oz toured the JTA's Autonomous Innovation Center (AIC), the operations and maintenance hub supporting the U²C Program, and experienced a ride aboard NAVI—the nation's first permanent autonomous public transportation service operating in revenue service.

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Jacksonville continues to demonstrate how innovation, technology, and public transportation are shaping the future of mobility.

Showcasing the Future of Mobility

AVC 2026: Where Innovation Meets Action

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority and Guident proudly hosted the 5th Annual Autonomous Vehicle Conference, bringing together transportation agencies, regulators, operators, and technology leaders from around the world to focus on one thing: advancing global autonomous mobility from concept to real-world deployment.

Designed to bridge global innovation with U.S. deployment realities, the conference featured live technology demonstrations, operational insights, and discussions focused on scaling autonomous transportation solutions for communities worldwide.

We were honored to welcome U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, Seval Oz, as our keynote speaker, who underscored that transportation is at a historic turning point and called for bold action to digitalize and modernize the movement of goods, people, and services. Her message emphasized the urgent need for collaboration, data-driven innovation, and the safe scaling of autonomous mobility, with safety as our North Star.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the important conversations, partnerships, and ideas that are helping drive autonomous mobility forward.

NAS JAX at the AIC

JTA leadership welcomed Naval Air Station Jacksonville for a visit focused on our innovative mobility solutions, including a closer look at our NAVI system and a tour of the Autonomous Innovation Center.

The discussion included the JTA’s ongoing infrastructure projects, along with conversations around the importance of safe, reliable mobility in complex operating environments. We also shared how the JTA is taking a deliberate, phased approach to deploying innovation in real-world conditions.

We appreciate the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and continue building partnerships that advance innovation, strengthen mobility, and support long-term regional and national priorities.

Making Moves: Community Conversations Driving Jacksonville Forward

Check out our most recent episode of Making Moves where we take you inside the latest conversations shaping mobility and access across the region.

We explore the future of the Skyway as the community weighs in on what comes next for this downtown landmark. You’ll also get an update on the Fare Modification Pilot Program, designed to keep more money in your pockets.

In addition, we highlight how the JTA worked to bring resources directly to a senior community facing access challenges, and how public input played a key role in shaping the future of Connexion Plus.

Stay tuned for more updates as the JTA continues working alongside the community to move Northeast Florida forward.

Cecil Pines

The JTA Connexion & Eligibility team visited Cecil Pines Adult Living Community to share information about the transportation services available to residents and answer any questions.

We highlighted JTA Connexion and Connexion Plus—flexible, accessible options designed to support everyday travel, appointments, and staying connected across the region.

Thank you to Cecil Pines for the warm welcome—we enjoyed the opportunity to connect!

Upcoming Service Adjustments

Starting June 15th, we’re rolling out service adjustments across select routes and services.

Schedule Changes:

• Weekdays: 10, 12, 14, 24, 32, Nassau Express Select

• Saturdays: 10, 12, 14, 24, 32

• Sundays: 10, 12, 14, 24

Frequency Changes:

• 1, 3, 19, 102 (Green), 105 (Orange), 107 (Blue), 109 (Red)

Timepoint Changes:

• 31, 105 (Orange)

Pick up a new bus schedule at the JRTC at LaVilla, your Public Library, Tax Collector’s Office, CareerSource Northeast Florida, or on any JTA bus.

Safety at the Forefront

Pedestrian Safety Initiative

Jacksonville experienced 36 pedestrian fatalities and 407 pedestrian-involved crashes in 2025 alone, underscoring the need for continued pedestrian safety awareness and education.

Last week, the ATU and JTA Safety Department completed a citywide Pedestrian Safety Awareness Initiative across high-traffic areas in Jacksonville, educating pedestrians, motorists, and our operators on safe practices and roadway awareness.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped support this important safety initiative.

Fatigue Awareness Initiative

The JTA Safety and Security Department recently conducted a Fatigue Awareness Initiative aboard our Safety on the Move bus, engaging employees across the system. The effort focused on raising awareness about fatigue risks and promoting rest, hydration, alertness, and overall wellness to support safe operations.

Through direct outreach at key transit locations, the Safety Department reinforced the JTA’s ongoing commitment to employee well-being and a strong safety culture.

First Coast Worksite Wellness

The JTA was proud to be recognized as a First Coast Worksite Wellness Council Gold Award winner for excellence in worksite wellness at yesterday’s conference!

This achievement reflects our continued commitment to supporting the health, wellness, and well-being of our employees both in and out of the workplace.

A special thank you to our Human Resources team for their dedication to creating programs and initiatives that help foster a healthier, stronger workplace culture.

Investing in Jacksonville's Workforce

Inspiring the Next Generation at KIPP VOICE Academy Career Day

The JTA had a great time joining KIPP VOICE Academy for their 8th grade Career Day!

Students had the opportunity to explore one of our NAVI vehicles, learn about autonomous mobility, and hear directly from our engineers about careers in transportation and technology. From asking questions to stepping onboard, students got a firsthand look at the future of mobility.

We are proud of our continued partnership with KIPP Jacksonville, including the completed KIPP Academy Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project, where KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools leased 8 acres from the JTA in 2020. The campus also features a First Coast Flyer Green Line station and dedicated bus loop, helping students safely and conveniently connect to transportation every day.

Bus Operator Graduation

Congratulations to our newest class of JTA Bus Operators!

We recently celebrated the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our newest graduates as they begin their journey serving the community and keeping Northeast Florida moving safely every day.

Welcome to Team JTA, and thank you for choosing a career that truly makes a difference!

Advancing a Future-Ready Jacksonville

JTA CEO Nat Ford joined fellow Jacksonville leaders as a panelist at the Hampton Roads Chamber Leadership Exchange, hosted at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.

The discussion centered on how strategic investments in mobility, resilience, and affordable housing can drive economic growth and enhance quality of life across communities.

Ford highlighted the JTA’s forward-looking approach to mobility, including NAVI—the nation’s first autonomous public transportation system in revenue service—as well as the MobilityWorks program. He also underscored the role of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in creating more sustainable, walkable communities anchored by strong transportation networks.

Together, these efforts are advancing a more connected, accessible, and future-ready Jacksonville.

Celebrating Our Employees Accomplishments

Each month, the JTA recognizes employees who exemplify dedication, professionalism and service to our community.

May 2026 Employees of the Month

• Operator: Gerald Hawkins, Bus Operator since May 2006

• Maintenance Employee: Sandy McDaniel, Maintenance Technician

• Administrative Employee: Brian Reed, Marketing Creative Supervisor

Congratulations to all of our team members for their dedication and commitment to making a difference every day. Their contributions continue to strengthen the JTA and the community we serve.

JTA News Making Moves

• Traffic Technology Today, May 12, SAM Act aims to clear path for autonomous public transit in the US

• Action News Jax, May 18, Light rail or street cars to be added as options in second round of JTA surveys on future of skyway

• News4Jax, May 21, Why Jacksonville’s $1 bus fare is turning heads — and what it means for the future of public transit

• Jacksonville Business Journal, June 1, Holon shifts Jacksonville autonomous vehicle factory plans to phased approach

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