The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is going to get rid of the 50 cent fare it normally charges for one way rides on the Skyway train.

JTA had struggled with riders not paying fees for several months because of broken or faulty equipment and turnstiles.  Now they're taking a different approach and just nixing it altogether for 90 days at the end of this month.

"I think it's a good idea," says Paul, a frequent rider.

Shirl, another rider who uses the Skyway about 4 times per week, says she thinks more people who commute in downtown will start using the Skyway more when it becomes free.

"There will be a lot less walking in the vicinity."

One rider, who wanted to remain anonymous, told me he saw a lot of people coming through during Florida/Georgia weekend.

"Man, you had so many people here jamming quarters into machines all at once that weekend.  They tore this place up.  No wonder the machines don't work."

Many riders also said they'd be more inclined to use the Skyway on a regular basis if JTA expanded the Skyway to go out to places like Mandarin, Arlington, or the Westside.  I also heard concerns about transients riding the Skyway back and forth to keep out of the weather, but JTA says it will amp up security on trains to help.