Jacksonville, Fl — Transportation costs are going up for people with developmental differences in Jacksonville.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority voted Thursday to raise fares for Connexion Plus, the on-demand, door-to-door ride service for the disabled.

Under the new rates, riders will pay $10.00 for the first 12 miles and $2.50 for each mile after that.

While it’s higher than the current rate, it’s less than what JTA originally proposed.

The original proposal was $10.00 for the first 8 miles and $3.50 per mile thereafter.

JTA says the total cost of Connexion Plus was $2.8 million in Fiscal Year 2022. Last year, Connexion Plus cost $6.3 million, an increase of 124%. Costs are projected to top $8 million in 2026.

Sally Hazelip, Head of School at North Florida School of Special Education, says the increase will be difficult for some, but is a compromise that took several community partners.

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Rich Jones

Rich Jones is the Host of Jacksonville’s Morning News. Rich joined WOKV in October 2006. Rich is involved in many community organizations and causes. Rich and his wife, Noelle, have three children: Avery, Harper and Austen.