Jacksonville, FL – June 23, 2025) The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), Guident and AV America, today hosted a day-long conference exploring all aspects of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and their impact on public transportation. Just one week before the JTA launches it's NAVI service, the nation’s first permanent public transportation revenue-service powered by AVs, the conference drew the largest crowd to-date with close to 300 attendees.

“Today was an incredible day of engaging conversations and deep dives into the realities of how technology is transforming the future of public transportation,” said JTA CEO Nat Ford. “At the JTA, we believe in the power of AVs to seamlessly connect neighborhoods, business districts and entertainment venues. We are proud to share how Jacksonville is using this innovative technology to meet our community’s mobility needs.”

Today’s National AV Day Conference began with tours of the Autonomous Innovation Center (AIC), followed by a welcome from JTA CEO Nat Ford, and a keynote session from HOLON North American CEO Markus Schlitt. Schlitt discussed the role of autonomous mobility in shaping future cities. This presentation comes at a pivotal time for HOLON, as the company builds its AV manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, creating more than 800 jobs and nearly $300 million in economic impact. The JTA plans to evolve its AV fleet with the HOLON Mover as the vehicles become available in the coming years.

Throughout the day, the JTA shared insight into its AV journey, as well as how it is working to create a pipeline of automotive technology professionals in Jacksonville. From working with FSCJ to develop internships and curriculum that will train future transportation leaders, to playing a role in bringing an industry-leader like HOLON to the city.

Panels and discussions also featured a variety of speakers from industry leaders nationwide. Sessions included:

• Bay Street Innovation Corridor: Pioneering Autonomous Transit in Jacksonville

• Shifting Legislative and Regulatory Landscape and What it Means for Shared Autonomous Mobility

• Advancing AV Integration: Spotlight on New Technology and Solutions

• Building and Innovating Autonomous Mobility

• Valedictory Panel Discussion: The Real-World Impact of Autonomous Transit

Click here to learn more about the 2025 National AV Day Conference, sponsors and more.

Gallery of photos from today’s event: https://brandfolder.com/s/8fpvf956jfkhnp4j9k

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 builds 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, Nassau, and St. Johns counties. To learn more, visit www.jtafla.com.

Media Contact:

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