Jacksonville, Fla. (February 27, 2025) – Ahead of the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) launch this Summer, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has begun testing autonomous vehicles (AVs) along the Bay Street Innovation Corridor (BSIC). During this time, on-board attendants will be the only individuals permitted on the vehicles. The JTA will welcome passengers when the service officially launches this summer.
WHAT: AV Testing Begins on Bay Street
WHEN: Testing began this week and will continue each week, Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. up to service launch.
WHERE: AVs will operate in a three-mile loop along Bay Street from Pearl Street to EverBank Stadium.
DETAILS: Initially, U2C will utilize retrofitted Ford E-Transit vans equipped with AV technology and that complies with the Americans with Disability Act, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and the Build America, Buy America Act. The AVs will accommodate up to nine passengers and travel in the same lanes as ongoing traffic. Vehicles will be operated from and maintained at the JTA’s Autonomous Innovation Center (AIC).
The BSIC is the first phase of the U2C, which introduces AVs into JTA’s transportation system. Subsequent phases include plans to connect the urban core with adjacent neighborhoods, supporting the vision of a vibrant, revitalized and better-connected Downtown Jacksonville.
To learn more about U2C, visit u2c.jtafla.com.
To request b-roll footage contact: lopperman@jtafla.com or call 904-676-7225.
Gallery photos: https://brandfolder.com/s/wpwh3jrhkwnwjbqc8rrbnt7
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About the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is an independent state agency serving Jacksonville, Florida, and Northeast Florida with multi-modal responsibilities. The JTA provides varied mass public transit services and builds roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to enhance mobility in Jacksonville. Public transportation services include BRT and regular bus service, paratransit, the St. Johns River Ferry, Skyway APM, and other mobility and on-demand services in Duval, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns counties. To learn more, visit www.jtafla.com.
Media contacts
For media enquiries, please contact:
Lynn Opperman
AVP – Marketing, Communication, and Customer Experience
Jacksonville Transportation Authority
lopperman@jtafla.com
904-676-7225