JACKSONVILLE, FL. (May 3, 2023) – The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) resumed St. Johns River Ferry service after a three-month hiatus following scheduled maintenance as required by the U.S. Coast Guard.
“I am excited to see the St. Johns River Ferry back in service, further enhancing the customer experience on one of our most popular services,” said JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. “I want to thank BAE Systems for their partnership in ensuring the Jean Ribault vessel continues to provide safe and seamless travel. With the Ferry’s return, the JTA can continue to provide holistic transportation services in our communities, in line with the RegionalWorks initiative of our MOVE2027 strategic plan.”
“The St. Johns River Ferry is a crucial part of our operation, connecting motorists, pedestrians and cyclists on Florida State Road A1A,” said JTA Board Chair Debbie Buckland. “The comprehensive improvements to the vessel will allow for continued iconic transportation experiences for residents and visitors alike.”
The JTA also began Phase V of ongoing improvements while the vessel was out of service including site safety and operational improvements, extension of bulkhead walls, new catwalk accesses and mooring bollards, and new signage.
Phase V is scheduled for completion in March 2024, and is the latest round of updates since the JTA took over operation of the Ferry in 2016.
The St. Johns River Ferry is a car and passenger ferry that connects the north and south ends of Florida State Road A1A, linking Mayport Village and Fort George Island. The trip takes roughly 5 minutes and departs every half hour. For Ferry hours of operation, visit ferry.jtafla.com.
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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 is a builder of 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.