JTA Board of Directors approves authority to enter negotiations with MV Transportation to provide paratransit service to northeast Florida region
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) Board of Directors has approved JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. to enter negotiations with MV Transportation, Inc. to provide paratransit and alternative transportation service to the northeast Florida region. The 10-year contract’s final cost won’t be determined until negotiations are complete.
The RFP solicited firms that could accomplish the JTA's vision to maximize seamless mobility solutions for the community, increase operational efficiencies through the commingling of trips, expand transportation services regionally and further develop the associated technologies for full implementation.
“Today’s board action allows the JTA to move one step closer to becoming the premiere regional transportation integrator in northeast Florida,” said JTA Board Chair Debbie Buckland. “We are optimistic that MV Transportation will help the JTA accomplish the MOVE2027 tactic to operate paratransit regionally and integrate alternative mobility services that contribute to a customer’s complete trip in places where bus service is not feasible or frequent.”
“Successful implementation will lead to JTA’s vision to maximize mobility options for the community,” Ford said. “We will be able to increase operational efficiencies through the commingling of trips, expand transportation services regionally and further develop the associated technologies to do so.”
MV Transportation currently operates paratransit services for JTA in Duval County. The current paratransit contract expires on June 30, 2023. Ford will now negotiate the contracting mechanism required to address paratransit and alternative transportation service delivery needs on a regional basis.
“This is a game-changer for the region; we prepared this RFP with the hope the regional transit providers will be able to capitalize on this investment,” Ford said.
The established DBE goal is 40 percent for this project, which MV Transportation has agreed to meet. Two other firms were shortlisted for negotiations. If the negotiation with MV Transportation is not successful, the second company on the list will begin negotiations with JTA.
