Public Meeting Presentation
U²C Phase II – Skyway Rehabilitation & Downtown Service Expansion PD&E Study
Watch the public meeting presentation that was displayed at the public meetings.
U²C Phase II Skyway Rehabilitation and Downtown Expansion Project Development and Environment Study Public Meetings
We Want Your Feedback!
Community Meetings
Thursday, September 10, 2026
11 AM–1 PM and 5–7 PM
Doubletree Jacksonville Riverfront
1201 Riverplace Boulevard
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
11 AM–1 PM and 5–7 PM
FSCJ Advanced Technology Center
401 West State Street
Thursday, September 17, 2026
11 AM–1 PM and 5–7 PM
The Jessie (Jessie Ball duPont Center)
40 East Adams Street
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
11 AM–1 PM and 5–7 PM
Ashley Square
650 North Newnan Street
Ultimate Urban Circulator (U²C) Program
The Ultimate Urban Circulator Program, or the U²C Program, is the JTA’s plan to modernize the Skyway and connect the neighborhoods across downtown and nearby neighborhoods. Developed in three phases, the program is currently in Phase II, where we consider downtown service expansion. The Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study, where we look at options, or “alternatives,” to improve the system is now under development. Six “Build” alternatives plus a “No Build” option are being considered (see details inside). With your input, we will identify a Preferred Alternative to recommend to the JTA Board later this year.
U²C Phase I
Bay Street Innovation Corridor
Status: Completed
Phase I: Established The Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) service, running from Central Station to the Sports and Entertainment District, including EverBank Stadium.
WE ARE HERE!
U²C Phase II
Downtown Service Expansion (Skyway Conversion)
Status: Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Completion Date: August 2026
Phase II: The current U²C Program phase, looks at options for the Skyway and its eight stations as the existing system reaches end of life.
U²C Phase III
Neighborhood Extensions
Status: Project Planning Completion Date: Late 2026
Phase III: Includes the expansion of the operational footprint of the current Skyway to a larger, more connected system through at-grade neighborhood extensions.
No Build: Maintain the Current Skyway System
The No Build option keeps the Skyway system operating as it does today with the last two remaining vehicles. The existing track, vehicles, and automated train control system remain in use with required track repairs to maintain basic service for as long as possible.
Considerations
Continues current operations with minimal disruption
System nearing end of life
Ongoing repairs required
Planning level cost estimate: $15 million
Alternative 1: Rehabilitate Existing Vehicles and Maintain the Skyway
Alternative 1 keeps the Skyway system operating as it does today with a rehabilitated vehicle fleet of up to 10 cars. The existing track remains in use with a new automated train control system. Repairs will be made to the existing track to maintain current service. This investment improves system efficiency and overall passenger experience.
Considerations
Headways up to 10 minutes or better
2-3 years of construction
Provides limited connectivity or support for future growth
Planning level cost estimate: $276 million
Alternative 2: New Automated People Mover (APM) Trains on the Skyway
Alternative 2 replaces the current Skyway system with a new fleet of APM trains comparable to those deployed at U.S. airports. This alternative represents a full system modernization with new trains on the existing Skyway infrastructure, plus a new Brooklyn Station. It improves rider experience by providing a reliable, modern system.
Considerations
Headways up to 10 minutes or better
3-4 years of construction
Provides additional connectivity with limited support for growth
Planning level cost estimate: $428 million
Alternative 3: Convert the Guideway and System to Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)
Alternative 3 converts the Skyway guideway to a dedicated roadway for current and future AVs. New ramp connections will be provided to existing streets at Rosa Parks, Kings Avenue, and Leila Street in the Brooklyn area to allow AVs to travel beyond the downtown urban core.
Considerations
Headways up to 5 minutes or better
3-4 years of construction
Expands neighborhood connectivity
Planning level cost estimate: $294 million
Alternative 4: Remove Skyway Structure and Operate Autonomous Vehicles on Existing Streets
Alternative 4 removes the existing elevated Skyway and stations entirely, and 17 street-level stops will be constructed. AVs operate on existing downtown streets, converting service entirely to the roadway network. Key intersections along the corridor will be upgraded to incorporate transit signal priority. See the back for a map of the proposed AV route.
Considerations
Headways up to 5 minutes or better
Use of dedicated lanes where feasible
Deployment of AVs independent of construction
2-3 years of construction
Provides flexibility for growth
Planning level cost estimate: $152 million
Alternative 5: Repurpose Skyway as Multi-use Path and Operate Autonomous Vehicles on Existing Streets
Alternative 5 repurposes the Skyway guideway into a 10-foot multi-use path that connects directly with the Emerald Trail network.This alternative utilizes an AV fleet with 17 street-level stops operating on downtown streets. Key intersections will be upgraded to incorporate transit signal priority. See the back for a map of the proposed AV route.
Considerations
- Headways up to 5 minutes or better
- Use of dedicated lanes where feasible
- Deployment of AVs independent of construction
- 2-3 years of construction
- Provides flexibility for growth and opportunities for community programming
- Planning level cost estimate: $260 million
Alternative 6: Remove Skyway Structure and Operate Streetcar on Existing Streets
Alternative 6 replaces the Skyway system with a streetcar system at street level with 12 stations. The vehicle fleet consists of up to 12 streetcars. Key intersections will be upgraded to incorporate transit signal priority. This option supports transit-oriented development opportunities. See the back for a map of the proposed streetcar route.
Considerations
Headways up to 10 minutes or better
4 years of construction
Provides flexibility for growth
Unknown Costs to Retrofit the Elevated Structure and for Dedicated Lanes
Planning level cost estimate: $565 million
Route Maps
Proposed At-Grade AV Route: Alternatives 4 and 5
Proposed Streetcar Route: Alternative 6
General Questions
What is a PD&E Study?
A PD&E study is an environmental and engineering process that was developed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in response to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. The process ensures that transportation projects are developed with consideration of current engineering standards, project costs, and minimization of social and environmental impacts, while involving the public throughout the entire study process.
What is the purpose of this study?
The current Skyway system is over 35 years old and requires modernization to continue serving Jacksonville. This study evaluates how to rehabilitate the existing infrastructure while expanding service to meet downtown’s growing needs. We are evaluating “Build” alternatives against a “No Build” option to find the most cost-effective and impactful solution. With your input throughout the process, we will identify a Preferred Alternative to recommend to the JTA Board.
What are the study limits?
The project spans the full 2.5-mile extent of the current Skyway. To account for environmental considerations, future expansion, and multimodal integration the study area includes a 200-foot buffer zone measured from the centerline of the existing guideway.
