JACKSONVILLE, FL. – The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) announced the My Ride 2 School pilot program to provide free bus trips to middle and high school students starting January 4, 2022.
The My Ride 2 School pilot program runs through May 27, 2022, and includes middle and high school students attending any DCPS, private, or charter school in Duval County.
Starting January 4, 2022, eligible students can ride JTA buses and the First Coast Flyer at no cost, Monday – Friday, (only when school is open), from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Students must provide a valid school I.D., or one issued to them through the JTA and their school, when boarding.
“Our partnership with DCPS, charter and private school partners provides students and parents with additional flexibility to ensure transportation is not a barrier to getting a quality education in Jacksonville,” said JTA Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. “My Ride 2 School expands access for parents and students with a safe and no-cost option to get to class, an afterschool job, or home after a late practice or extracurricular activity,” said Ford.
“I really appreciate JTA’s partnership in serving our students and families. Many of our families have firsthand experience with the difficulties we’ve encountered staffing our school buses over the year,” said DCPS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Diana Greene. “While we are not changing our service in anyway, this JTA partnership gives our parents another option to consider for getting their middle and high school students to school, back home, and even to afterschool jobs or other activities outside of school. I am thankful that JTA has stepped up to help us meet our challenges and serve the community.”
Masks are required onboard any JTA bus or inside a JTA facility, per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) directive through at least March 18, 2022.
Thirty-four JTA bus routes, including the First Coast Flyer bus rapid transit routes, have stops at or near local schools. Students and parents are encouraged to visit schedules.jtafla.com or contact JTA Customer Service at (904) 630-3100 to locate schedules, ask questions, or sign up for travel training.