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Moving Forward October Newsletter

Monday, October 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM

NAVI Shelters Fare Service-NL.jpg

At the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, we're committed to creating a stronger, better-connected Northeast Florida. Here are the latest updates:

NAVI News

NAVI Contactless Payment

As of Oct. 1, the JTA has launched a new contactless payment system for its NAVI service, giving riders an easy, modern way to pay. Each NAVI ride costs $1.75 and can be paid with a debit or credit card, mobile wallet, or pre-registered pass through the MyJTA app.

The following riders qualify for free or reduced fares:

  • Seniors 65+, DCPS students, and eligible college/trade school students ride free.

  • STAR card holders with an “R” qualify for a reduced 75¢ fare.

NAVI operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., connecting Downtown Jacksonville along Bay Street from the Sports & Entertainment District to Pearl Street. Fare ambassadors in blue vests are available to assist riders. Plan your next NAVI ride here.

Want to learn more about NAVI?

Nat Ford on PB & Jax Podcast

JTA CEO Nat Ford recently joined the PB & JAX podcast where he discussed innovation, leadership and the future of mobility in Jacksonville. The conversation highlights the Autonomous Innovation Center, the NAVI service launch and HOLON's decision to bring a new autonomous vehicle manufacturing plant to Jacksonville.

Listen to the full episode here.

Community Spotlights

Skyway Social

Skyway Social pics

Downtown Jacksonville came alive for Skyway Social, a one-of-a-kind celebration featuring live music, immersive art and local food across three distinctly themed Skyway stations. Produced by RTEAM in partnership with Downtown Vision, the sold-out event drew over 1,000 attendees and offered the community a chance to experience the Skyway in a fun way.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the artists, vendors and partners who made the event a huge success.

Emerald Trail 5K

Emerald Trail 5k

More than 800 runners, walkers and families participated in the 6th Annual VyStar Emerald Trail 5K/10K and 1-Mile Fun Run, the largest turnout to date. Participants enjoyed a scenic course along the Emerald Trail LaVilla Link. The JTA was proud to sponsor and join Groundwork Jacksonville, the City of Jacksonville and other partners in supporting the future of a safer, healthier and better-connected community.

Partners Visit the Autonomous Innovation Center

Partners Visit the AIC

The JTA recently hosted representatives from the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the Jacksonville Housing Authority, and the Urban League for tours of the Autonomous Innovation Center (AIC) and our new NAVI service. The visit gave guests a firsthand look at the AIC, how the NAVI service operates, and new ways the JTA is introducing to get you around Downtown.

American Public Transportation Association Annual Meeting

APTA and HOLON

The JTA leadership participated in the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) Board and Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. The conference brought together transit professionals from across the country to exchange ideas, share best practices and learn about emerging technologies, like the HOLON urban our next-generation autonomous vehicle, that can strengthen mobility systems here in Jacksonville.

During the meeting, JTA Board Member Patricia Gillum Sams was appointed to the APTA Board of Directors Executive Committee, while CEO Nat Ford was appointed Chairman of the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Committee.

The insights gained from the event support the JTA's ongoing efforts to deliver safe, innovative and reliable transportation solutions for the people of Jacksonville.

The JTA Receives 'AA' Bond Rating from KBRA

“Our stability and affirmed 'AA' rating illustrates the JTA's strong financial position, sound fiscal management and low debt burden outlook,” said Heather Obora, JTA Chief Financial Officer. “With the pandemic in the rearview and no future debt on the horizon, the JTA will continue to deliver for the people of Jacksonville.” The Kroll Bond Rating Agency assigned the JTA's Local Option Gas Tax revenue bond a 'AA' rating with a Stable outlook, reflecting strong debt coverage, a solid legal framework for repayment and the depth of Jacksonville's economic base.

Read the full announcement here.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay connected with our work in the community – join us at the following meetings:

  • Jacksonville Transportation Advisory Council: Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at 4 p.m.

  • Town Hall and Public Meeting - Hartley Road Widening Project Update & Mandarin Road Sidewalk: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at 6 p.m.

  • JTA Board Meeting: Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at 2 p.m.

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