The Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) is a comprehensive program to modernize and expand the Skyway and introduce autonomous vehicles (AVs) into JTA’s transportation system. By transforming the current Skyway, extending the reach within the urban core through the Bay Street Innovation Corridor and expanding beyond into adjacent neighborhoods, U2C supports the vision of a vibrant, revitalized and better-connected Downtown Jacksonville.
Our goal is to provide compact, walkable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use communities centered around access to JTA’s multi-modal transit options. This makes it possible to live a lower-stress life without complete dependence on a car for mobility. The ability to inter-connect micro-mobility and transit options to your desired destinations within Jacksonville improves our health, economy and environment.
The Bay Street Innovation Corridor (BSIC) project will introduce Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), initially operating in mixed traffic in curbside lanes along Bay Street, for approximately three miles, from Pearl Street (East) to EverBank Stadium, extending west to east through the Jacksonville Urban Core.
Bay Street is a critical artery connecting residential areas, through the urban business core to the entertainment and sports district on the east edge of Downtown Jacksonville. Along the route, AVs will make stops at designated locations to allow passengers to enter and exit the AVs as needed. Later phases of the U2C program are also expected to utilize interoperable technology to deliver an integrated AV network connection in Downtown Jacksonville and surrounding neighborhoods.
The BSIC project was procured using a Progressive Project Delivery Agreement which includes the procurement of autonomous vehicles, and the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Bay Street Innovation Corridor. There are four major phases of the delivery of this project:
Phase 1A: Delivery of 30% Plans (Completed)
Phase 1B: Delivery of 60% Plans (Completed)
Phase II: Construction Commencement (March 2024)
Phase III: Operation and Maintenance of BSIC Commencement (June 2025)
Phase 2, which will be funded through the Local Option Gas Tax (LOGT), represents the full conversion of the existing Skyway Superstructure and eight stations into an elevated roadway for AVs. The current bi-directional tracks run approximately 2.5 miles in each direction. Launching from the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center (JRTC) at LaVilla, the U2C elevated stations will stretch to four additional station on the Downtown Northbank, and across the St. Johns River over the Acosta Bridge to three stations on the Downtown Southbank.
Phase 2 also includes the street-level connection to Phase 1, the Bay Street Innovation Corridor, and an operations and maintenance facility for autonomous vehicles in the LaVilla neighborhood.
The JTA will also perform the Project Development & Environmental (PD&E) study to develop 30% design plans for the conversion of the existing JTA Skyway superstructure into a Connected Automated Vehicle (CAV) corridor, in addition to deploying a battery electric bus (BEB) with route charging technologies to service the transit bus routes along the current Skyway routes.
LOGT Dedicated Funding:
Skyway Rehabilitation & Downtown Service Expansion – Capital (Infrastructure, System): $240,075,000.00
Skyway Rehabilitation & Downtown Service Expansion – Fleet: $6,765,000.00
Timeline:
May 2, 2023: Bids Received
September 8, 2023: Bids Under Review
Fall 2023: Make Recommendations to Initiative Negotiations with Highest Qualified Proposer
Fall 2023: Complete Negotiations & Execute Contract & Notice To Proceed (NTP)
JTA continues to advance the design of the Bay Street Innovation Corridor. A Transit Concepts and Alternatives Review (TCAR) planning exercise was completed in March 2020 that identified alternatives for each of the proposed Skyway corridor extensions including:
Southwest CorridorBrooklyn and Riverside host large office towers just over the edge of Downtown Jacksonville and melt into a blend of historic homes and eclectic shops and restaurants. Redevelopment in the northern portion of the corridor is bringing more places to live, work, shop and dine. Planned autonomous vehicles will help connect future residents to areas within the corridor as well as invite them to explore nearby neighborhoods.
Southbank CorridorThe Southbank portion of the corridor houses medical, office, and residential towers. The historic San Marco neighborhood has charming homes and small businesses.
North CorridorThe historic Springfield area was once served by streetcars along Main Street and has undergone a renaissance with new and renovated homes and shops. The area’s residents and business owners are highly engaged in the community and host neighborhood festivals and events.
The JTA was awarded a RAISE Planning Grant from the U.S. DOT, which will advance the planning, environmental review and permitting, and preliminary project development activities for four Urban Circulator routes in the City of Jacksonville.
The city is expanding the area served by existing 2.5-mile Skyway Automated People Mover through the use of fully electric autonomous vehicles operating along specific corridors in both dedicated facilities and mixed traffic. The first expansion (Bay Street Innovation Corridor) is currently in design, while this grant will fund pre-construction activities for 7.5 additional expansion miles consisting of North Extension (UF Health) Corridor, West Extension (Riverside) Corridor, South Extension (Medical Complex) Corridor, and Southeast Extension (San Marco) Corridor.
Project Status: Negotiating Grant Agreement with U.S. DOT and FTA
Next Steps: Upon executed grant agreement, initiate procurement for RAISE Planning Grant - Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C): Neighborhood Extension and Planning Project
Planned Project Completion Date: November 30, 2026
The Test and Learn program (T&L) within the Automation & Innovation division at the JTA is at the forefront of implementing autonomous vehicles into the public transportation sector. This program leverages the resources of the JTA along with key partnerships with local institutions to provide insight and feedback to the rest of the organization. There are two test and learn track sites: Armsdale Test & Learn Facility and FSCJ Cecil Center Campus. Additionally, in 2024, JTA introduced autonomous vehicle testing routes at the FSCJ-Downtown campus. These sites are a vital component to the development of the U²C program and creating an autonomous transportation network. They enable JTA to gain critical information for the development of the U²C program and future applications of autonomous transit vehicles as part of its overall public transportation system.
Read the latest on the our future innovations for autonomous vehicles, and creativity with our U2C team!
The JTA accepts all solicitations electronically via our Procurement Portal. This system not only allows JTA to receive bids remotely, it also helps us track vendor participation, ensure compliance, improve transparency and reduce evaluation time. Get started by logging in or creating an account or viewing open opportunities.
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