JTA Ready to Launch First Coast Flyer “Blue Line” on December 5, 2016

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is gearing up to launch the First Coast Flyer (Bus Rapid Transit) “Blue Line” on Monday, December 5, 2016. The Blue Line will operate between Rosa Parks Transit Station and the Avenues along Philips Highway with stops at major destinations to include MOSH, Baptist Health, the Park-n-Ride lot at JTB/Philips and the Avenues Mall. The Flyer will connect customers to jobs, education, entertainment, restaurants, healthcare and more with features as unique at the region it serves.

The 11.1 mile Blue Line on the Southeast Corridor will feature direct, high-frequency service; seven branded stations; transit signal priority at 18 intersections (holds green lights, allowing buses to move through intersections without stopping); off-board fare collection; complimentary Wi-Fi; a Park-n-Ride lot and real time bus arrival information. The Flyer makes fewer stops and offers 10-minute frequency during weekday peak hours and 15-minute frequency in weekday off peak hours. The $23.8 million project is funded by the Federal Transit Administration, Florida Department of Transportation and the JTA.

“The First Coast Flyer initiative has already begun to transform travel in the Northeast Florida,” said JTA Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. “The Flyer continues to build on the foundation for a regional transportation network that will contribute to the success of the economy and enhance quality of life.”

The Blue Line replaces Route 7 (Philips). In addition, December service changes include the launch of Route 27 (Philips/Avenues) providing local service to Phillips Highway/Avenues Mall via Bonneval Road and Baymeadows Way and Route 35 (Sunbeam/Baymeadows) providing service to Prominence Parkway and Freedom Crossing Trail to Crown Point Road and San Jose Blvd. Community outreach specialists are available to assist customers with the changes.