JTA Receives $16.9M Capital Investment Grant for First Coast Flyer Bus Rapid Transit East Corridor Project
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority was awarded a $16.9 million Capital Investment Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration. The funds will be used for the First Coast Flyer Bus Rapid Transit East Corridor or Red Line which is the fourth segment of a five-phased First Coast Flyer system planned for the Jacksonville area. The 18.5 mile Red Line will be the longest corridor in the network and nearly doubles the footprint of the existing First Coast Flyer system, connecting more people to jobs, education, healthcare and entertainment.”
“The signing of this Capital Investment Grant Agreement is another significant step in the First Coast Flyer program for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority,” said JTA Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. “The First Coast Flyer initiative has already transformed travel in the Northeast Florida region with the Green and Blue Lines which were launched in December 2015 and December 2016 respectively.”
The $33.9 million East Corridor project is funded by the FTA, Florida Department of Transportation and the JTA and includes 21 branded stations, transit signal priority at 32 intersections (holds green lights, allowing buses to move through intersections without stopping) and off-board fare collection. The Flyer makes fewer stops and offers 10-minute frequency during weekday peak hours and 15-minute frequency in weekday off peak hours.
“The continued growth and expansion of the First Coast Flyer is connecting our communities in exciting new ways. This added means of transportation between downtown and the beaches enhances our economic and cultural opportunities while improving safety and efficiency,” said Congressman John Rutherford (FL-04). “I commend JTA for its continued efforts to improve accessibility in our fast-growing communities.”
The First Coast Flyer Red Line will operate with 19 energy efficient compressed natural gas buses offering complimentary Wi-Fi, mobile ticketing with MyJTA and bus arrival information with NextBus. The Red Line is scheduled to launch in December 2018 on the East Corridor. It will operate between Rosa Parks Transit Station and the Jacksonville Beach along the Arlington Expressway and Beach Boulevard with stops at major destinations, including Florida State College Jacksonville South and Downtown Campuses.
“This is a move in the right direction,” said Rep. Al Lawson, FL-05. “I have testified in Congress in support of continued funding for the completion of this project. The First Coast Flyer will provide an affordable and reliable way for Jacksonville families to travel to work, school, home and our local attractions. Not only will it offer quick travel time and frequent service, it will also improve the air quality in our community. I am pleased funding has been secured for the BRT East project."
The Green and Blue lines comprise 20.5 miles and laid the foundation for a regional transportation network that has boosted our economy and enhanced the quality of life in the community. When completed, the First Coast Flyer will cover 57 miles of destination travel, and will be the largest bus rapid transit system of its kind in the Southeast.
“We are pleased to learn of the grant announcement and look forward to the opening of the East Corridor,” said Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham. “The First Coast Flyer will provide beaches residents with a high frequency and direct connection to Downtown from Jacksonville Beach.”
