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 first phase of the U2C program is the Bay Street Innovation Corridor (BSIC). This route is the East Corridor and extends beginning at the current terminal of the Skyway's Central Station, east to the Sports/Entertainment District/TIAA Bank Field. The federally funded project will be the initial phase of the U²C program and will introduce autonomous vehicles along a key transportation corridor in Downtown Jacksonville.
East Corridor
Phase II of the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) represents the full conversion of the existing Skyway Superstructure and eight stations into an elevated roadway for autonomous vehicles. The current bi-directional tracks run approximately 2.5 miles in each direction. Launching from the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center at LaVilla (JRTC), the U2C elevated sections will stretch to four additional stations on the Downtown Northbank, and across the St. Johns River over the Acosta Bridge to three stations on the Downtown Southbank. Phase II also includes the street level connection to Phase I, the Bay Street Innovation Corridor.
West Corridor
JTA continues to advance the design of the Bay Street Innovation Corridor. A Transit Concepts and Alternatives Review (TCAR) planning exercise was completed in FY 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 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 to connect future residents to areas within the corridor as well as invite them to explore nearby neighborhoods, reachable by the U2C program.
Southbank CorridorThe Southbank portion of the corridor boasts 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 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. 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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