JTA asking for input as it considers raising fares on several services, including St. Johns River Ferry

Jacksonville, FL — The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is asking for your input, as it considers raising fares on several of its services.

The affected services would include all JTA fixed-route bus lines, First Coast Flyer BRT routes, ReadiRide, and the St. Johns River Ferry. The proposed changes would not impact fares for Connexion and Connexion Plus paratransit services, the Skyway, or senior rates.

JTA says it will begin holding public meetings in June to give customers the chance to weigh in, releasing the following schedule:

JTA also plans to have an outreach team visiting transit hubs, the St. Johns River Ferry, and high-rider bus stops across town beginning June 3rd to solicit feedback and answer questions.

JTA's CEO, Nathaniel P. Ford Sr, says the higher prices are needed to be sustainable.

"The JTA has made significant investments with innovative services and technologies to expand the mobility of Jacksonville residents and the Northeast Florida region. The changes will allow the JTA to maintain sustainable financial plans in order to protect the Authority from fluctuating sales, gas tax revenues, and changes in consumer behavior," says Ford in a statement.

If these higher fares are put into place, it would only be the fifth time since JTA began providing public transportation services in 1971. It also marks the first since 2012.

Even with the new rates, customers will be eligible to receive discounts if they use the MyJTA mobile app to buy the fares.

JTA has released the following proposed fare modifications:

JTA says its Board of Directors will also be considering a new Automatic Fare Indexing Policy, to help set up a more predictable and transparent system for setting fares.