Autonomous shuttles arrive on Jacksonville campus

Jacksonville’s Transport Authority (JTA) has partnered with Beep and Oxa to roll out an autonomous shuttle service at the Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ).

The shuttles are licensed by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and align with city plans to begin a “major investment in autonomous transport” as part of its Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) project.

“This initiative is a testament to years of hard work and collaboration between the private and public sector, including the US Department of Transportation,” said Nat Ford, CEO of JTA.

“We are eager for the FSCJ campus and the wider Jacksonville community to experience these AVs first-hand to see the benefits they bring to see the benefits these vehicles bring as we prepare for the launch of phase one [of the Ultimate Urban Circulator] in 2025.”

Urban Circulator

In 2020, JTA and FSCJ executed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore ways to educate and transport college students and to improve roadway and pedestrian safety through enhanced mobility options in the City of Jacksonville.

The first phase of the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) programme will implement a full-scale autonomous shuttle network with connected technology in Bay Street from 2025.

The programme comprises three main phases, with each phase incrementally building the 16 kilometre transportation network connecting key downtown Jacksonville corridors, including the Sports/Entertainment District, the Downtown Northbank, and Southbank.

The city hopes the programme will ultimately provide mobility for all by extending access to goods, services, entertainment and jobs in this critical urban hub along Jacksonville’s riverfront.

MobilityWorks 2.0

Last week, the JTA announced the design and construction of MobilityWorks 2.0 – a series of 17 projects which includes the purchase of a new ferry vessel, 10 complete street projects, and bus stop and transit enhancements throughout the city.

To enhance transparency and accountability and provide regular updates on the MobilityWorks 2.0 program, the agency recently launched a new website which features a dashboard that provides a detailed look at jobs created and expenditures to date, an interactive project map, and updates on contracting opportunities and job fairs.

“MobilityWorks 2.0 is more than just a construction programme; it’s an investment in the future of Jacksonville,” said Greer Johnson Gillis, Chief Infrastructure & Development Officer, JTA.

“By creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing transportation options, the programme is building a stronger and more sustainable city for all residents.”

The initiative is funded by the Local Option Gas Tax, which will drive US$490 million into improving Northeast Florida’s mobility infrastructure over the next 30 years.

Image: FSCJ