Jacksonville launches first driverless public transport service in US

Jacksonville, Florida, has become the first city in the US to launch a fully autonomous public transport system.

The new service, called NAVI (Neighbourhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation), is part of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s (JTA) broader Ultimate Urban Circulator programme.

The initial phase of the project involves the deployment of 14 electric autonomous vehicles along a designated corridor in central Jacksonville. The fleet, composed of Ford E-Transit vehicles, has been adapted to include an automated driving system developed by Oxa and meets both Buy America standards and the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“The launch of NAVI is a crucial step toward a smarter, more accessible, better-connected Jacksonville–a city that is defining the future of mobility,” said Nat Ford, CEO of JTA.

Under a five-year operations and maintenance contract, the service is being operated by autonomous mobility company Beep, which is also providing the backend technology for fleet management. This includes vehicle deployment, orchestration, and supervision, all managed through the JTA’s newly established Autonomous Innovation Center.

The NAVI service forms part of JTA’s strategy to increase safety, reduce emissions, and expand access to public transport, particularly in areas not well served by traditional fixed-route services. According to JTA, the goal of the Ultimate Urban Circulator is to deliver a multi-modal network that supports the city’s wider economic, environmental and mobility objectives.

Beep’s Chairman of the Board, Kevin Reid, has also been named the company’s new CEO. Commenting on the Jacksonville launch, Reid stated: “Beep is proud to improve safety, expand access, and optimise public transit in Jacksonville with the first fully autonomous system in the nation. Building this system is a significant milestone to achieve fully sustainable, smart cities.”

The company’s AutonomOS platform allows for remote supervision, fleet coordination, and integration with existing public transit systems. Its vehicle-agnostic approach also enables a range of automated driving system platforms to be used across different service types and geographies.

Further phases of the Jacksonville programme are planned as part of the long-term Ultimate Urban Circulator vision, with the aim of connecting more neighbourhoods and expanding modal options for residents and visitors.

Image: JTA/NAVI/Beep