(Jacksonville, FL – July 1, 2025) Today, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority celebrated the launch of NAVI, which stands for Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation. NAVI will be the first public transportation service powered by autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the United States. Service will begin on Monday, June 30 in Downtown Jacksonville.

Today, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) announced a new pilot program that provides complimentary fixed route passes to students enrolled in registered technical, trade, vocational or apprenticeship programs in Duval County. The “Ride to Train” pilot program, which is designed to enhance access to local education and training opportunities, starts today and runs through June 30, 2026.

“Trade schools and apprenticeship programs are essential to developing a skilled workforce that can meet the evolving needs of key industries in Jacksonville,” said Terrance Freeman, Jacksonville City Council, Member At-Large. “Public transportation plays a critical role in making this happen, providing individuals with a pathway to employment and communities with a skilled workforce that will help Jacksonville remain competitive.”

To qualify, students must be active participants in credentialed programs leading to a trade certificate or certification of completion. The JTA will issue a mobile pass directly to students’ mobile phones via email addresses provided by program coordinators. Once complete, students may ride any JTA fixed route bus or First Coast Flyer route for free with the JTA “Ride to Train” pilot program.

"This is more than a ride, it's a launchpad for dreams. The Ride to Train program represents our commitment to access and economic mobility. By removing transportation barriers, we’re empowering Jacksonville’s future trade and apprenticeship workforce—builders, electricians, and dozens more—to rise, thrive, and build the future of this great city. This is how we strengthen communities—one route, one ride, one life at a time,” stated Nat Ford, CEO, Jacksonville Transportation Authority.

The JTA’s “Ride to Train” program is similar to the JTA College Student Annual Pass and “Ride to Read” programs. Participating trade and apprenticeship students will be asked to complete a survey, which will be used to monitor success and resulting ridership.

“This initiative is about more than free rides, it’s about creating real opportunity,” said Aundra Wallace, Vice Chair of the JTA Board of Directors. “By removing transportation as a barrier, the JTA is empowering students to pursue the skills and training needed to thrive in today’s economy. It’s a smart investment in our future workforce and in the long-term prosperity of our city.”

Registered apprenticeship training programs interested in participating in Ride to Train may contact Endya Freeman at myridetotrain@jtafla.com.

To learn more, visit www.jtafla.com/rider-guide/fares-passes.

Watch here: https://brandfolder.com/s/7ksbbqt258n329nrmfr49c

Gallery of photos: https://brandfolder.com/s/x35wmf5qw9wxw498n8rfn

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About the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is an independent state agency serving Jacksonville, Florida and Northeast Florida with multi-modal responsibilities. The JTA provides varied mass public transit services, and is a builder of roads, bridges and other infrastructure to enhance mobility in Jacksonville. Public transportation services include BRT and regular bus service, paratransit, the St. Johns River Ferry, Skyway APM, and other mobility and on-demand services in Duval, Clay, Baker, Nassau and St. Johns counties. To learn more, visit www.jtafla.com.

Media contacts

For media enquiries, please contact:
Juliana Johnson
Director of Communications
Jacksonville Transportation Authority
jujohnson@jtafla.com
904-677-2153 (mobile)