JTA's Strategic Vision for the Future

[cline]

I have to play devil's advocate here. Jacksonville has many areas rife with poverty whose citizens depend on public transportation for their livelihood. To me, increasing frequency of service in high density areas like Riverside and San Marco is a luxury, and providing dependable transit to a wide area (because poverty has a wide footprint in Jax) is essential and should be our first priority. Planning for frequent service that encourages dense growth is important, too, but only after we make sure those most in need are taken care of.

I think you can have both.  I don't think anyone is arguing that we should discontinue service to the transit dependent.  I think it should be improved (and there are many ways to improve the current system to make it more efficient that wouldn't cost a ton).  But we also need to move into servicing choice riders as well- giving people more options. 

As it stands now JTA spreads itself too to do anything well.  They operate the transit system, they also want to build roads, and now, they want to become some regional entity as well- so they can build "regional" roads.

[fieldafm]

I think you can have both.  I don't think anyone is arguing that we should discontinue service to the transit dependent.  I think it should be improved (and there are many ways to improve the current system to make it more efficient that wouldn't cost a ton).  But we also need to move into servicing choice riders as well- giving people more options. 

As it stands now JTA spreads itself too to do anything well.  They operate the transit system, they also want to build roads, and now, they want to become some regional entity as well- so they can build "regional" roads.

+1.  They didn't need tons of money to implement BRT on the Northside(a service that is largely serving transit dependent riders).  They could have easily implemented better frequency service for far less money that didn't include fancy things like signal jumps, real time traffic updates at traffic stations (they have been offered a cell phone based platform for free by a local software developer) and the like.  You could just as easily 're-brand' busses that doesn't need rely on things like federal money, instead opting to apply for federal money for proven community builders and economic drivers like fixed transit.  That also has the effect of creating affordable housing options in the historical core neighborhoods, incidentally.

[dougskiles]

I have to play devil's advocate here. Jacksonville has many areas rife with poverty whose citizens depend on public transportation for their livelihood. To me, increasing frequency of service in high density areas like Riverside and San Marco is a luxury, and providing dependable transit to a wide area (because poverty has a wide footprint in Jax) is essential and should be our first priority. Planning for frequent service that encourages dense growth is important, too, but only after we make sure those most in need are taken care of.

The number one problem with providing "coverage" service to those who are living in low density areas is that it is incredibly expensive and the users aren't able to pay for it.  High frequency service for choice riders is much more economically sustainable for the system provider.  We live in a city with a very low appetite for supporting transit services that require a near 100% subsidy.

But - the high proverty areas that you reference are some of our more dense areas, too.  So we can provide good service to them with the high-frequency model.  The neighborhoods that I am questioning are the Southside, Westside and Mandarin areas.  A few high-frequency routes on the major corridors is all that JTA should be providing to these areas.

[Fallen Buckeye]

Ok, I see what you're saying, Doug, and I agree. I just made the assumption that you were talking about improving frequency of service to primarily in the comparatively more affluent, dense neighborhoods because those places tend to dominate discussions on MJ.

[PeeJayEss]

dougskiles, I totally agree with you. However, many of our elderly have many memories of where they live and would not want to move so fast. However, eventually they will have to as time goes by. Are there ways to help our elderly stay in their homes longer until then. At the same time, we have a record amount of student loans debt. Is there a better way for college students to work their way through college so to not acquire so much debt? Can they help build ramps, install special baths with panic buttons, and rebuild kitchens in exchange for vouchers to tuition reduction. Are there other ways for our elderly to stay safely longer in their homes before they need to move? Finally, Cities need to create new programs to help our elderly adjust to finally moving once that time is near. Finally, I totally agree that our elderly will need to move to retirement villages as time goes by...

This doesn't really belong in this topic...

Ok, I see what you're saying, Doug, and I agree. I just made the assumption that you were talking about improving frequency of service to primarily in the comparatively more affluent, dense neighborhoods because those places tend to dominate discussions on MJ.

Oxymoron?

[CityLife]

Great points Doug and others. I'm going to go slightly OT and say that I almost vomited in my mouth when I came to MJ and saw the pic of the JRTC. After the courthouse debacle, we can't allow anymore ugly civic architecture in downtown. People say the courthouse is Stalinist or Speeresque. Well the JRTC looks like 1992 Dubuque, Iowa. Simply unacceptable for Jacksonville.

[PeeJayEss]

Great points Doug and others. I'm going to go slightly OT and say that I almost vomited in my mouth when I came to MJ and saw the pic of the JRTC. After the courthouse debacle, we can't allow anymore ugly civic architecture in downtown. People say the courthouse is Stalinist or Speeresque. Well the JRTC looks like 1992 Dubuque, Iowa. Simply unacceptable for Jacksonville.

Poor Dubuque...

[JFman00]

So near the beginning, they say the must continue to support roadway capacity improvements (not "simply... a balance between roads and mass transit"). Then they say the focus on roadway investment is "alleviating bottlenecks, improving airport/seaport access and freight mobility, and smaller scale roadway enhancements to support and integrate transit with the pedestrian environment". Is there any transportation interest they aren't pandering to?

Also, as far as I'm concerned, if the "dedicated" bus lane is one that cars have access too, it's not dedicated, and it's not BRT. I think it's an important distinction since actual BRT can at least *feel* like fixed-route transit with all it's comfort and permanancy, whereas the American version is just an express bus route virtually indistinguishable from conventional bus service. How much harder would it be to put up some concrete barriers and how much more expensive for actual BRT stations?

On a more positive hope, I hope JTA does continue pushing hard for commuter rail and am optimistic that it can be done with a creative and pragmatic approach to funding (3P, TIFs, etc.).

[peestandingup]

I have an elderly parent that lives there in Jacksonville. She should not drive due to her eyesight. This story concerning mass transit for our aging baby boomers is very important. Can the following be implemented to create a more efficient mass transit for those who need to go to doctors' appointments, pharmacies, and grocery stores? Can the following help reduce the feeling of isolation among our elderly, as well? Can patients fill out a survey at the doctor's office for when and if they need transportation to go to these doctor's appointments and to the pharmacy? Perhaps they could fill out their address to see what zone they live in. Then a smart phone APP could assign doctors' appointments based on where these patients lives. This way, vans could pick people up in a certain zone then transport them to medical centers to see their doctors. The bus organization would call people up just before these vans are about to pick them up...There is a problem of the elderly feeling isolated. If the same patients could ride these vans and wait in the same doctor's waiting room; they may make new social connections of like minded people. Thus reduce this feeling of isolation. These vans would transport people to the same pharmacy and grocery stores afterwards as other patients; who live in the same zone...If we are talking about transporting patients to specialists at major hospitals, they could organize new "bus trains" that are run on wheels. Perhaps 3-5 vans could transport people from certain zones to the major bus stops of "bus tains" on wheels. These "bus trains" on wheels would transport people from area zones to regional medical centers then back again. Again doctor's appointments at these regional medical centers, would be made by an APP based upon where these patients lives... Can these concepts create a better run bus system and at the same time reduce the feeling of isolation among our elderly? You be the judge. However these concepts just may work to consider.

We can't only look at transit as the solution to the problem you are identifying.  The isolation is a result of our sprawling development pattern of the last 50 years.  There is a clear need for more living choices for the elderly that are closer to the essential services they will require as they age - particularly choices that don't require long and expensive trips by either automobile or bus.

And not to sound harsh, but the boomers should have thought of that. Now they'll get to experience first hand the god awful mess they helped create.

[Ocklawaha]

Ock-observations:

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

JTA’s Consolidated Plan has been developed in the context of key challenges and opportunities we face as an agency and a community.  These challenges include refining the agency’s role, economic competitiveness, sustainable funding, community characteristics and public policy context.

'Don't ask questions, just send money!'

Refining the Agency Role

A dispersion of population and employment away from downtown lengthens commutes, places greater demands on our roads, impacts our air quality, and challenges the delivery of public mass transit.

...And who's fault would that be?

In the future, roadway solutions will be more difficult and costly, and the imperative for stronger and more reliable public transit options will grow. Despite this increasing focus on transit options, we cannot simply abandon roadway capacity improvements in the future.  And we must plan for them together, not simply aim to find a balance between roads and public transit.

As long as 'public transit' means more rubber tires on an ever increasing roadway system, this is double talk, especially when one considers JTA'S solution is, um, more roads.

Economic Competitiveness

The transportation sector is a key player in the region’s economic recovery and long-term economic competitiveness. JTA’s transportation investments connect workers with employers, enhance the movement of freight and serve as catalysts for growth and development. JTA investments can support the movement of goods to, from and through our port, support and strengthen Downtown Jacksonville, and help attract college-educated 25 to 34 year-old professionals who tend to be drawn to vibrant, transit supportive urban areas and neighborhoods near the urban core.

As long as part of the agency's focus is 'supporting the movement of goods', it will NEVER be an effective transit agency. In order to have 'vibrant, transit supportive urban areas,' we need 'vibrant, supportive, urban transit.'

Sustainable Funding

Fortunately, JTA has made the best of the dedicated funding sources for building roads and bridges and operating mass transit.  However, the funding sources face severe constraints in the near future â€" the most significant of which is the expiration of the local option gas tax in 2016.

JTA exists to 'build roads and bridges and (Oh yeah, almost forgot) operating mass transit.' Elimination of the gas tax will have the effect of forcing this rogue agency into making a choice between being a road and bridge builder or a transit operator.

Community Characteristics

As we plan for the future, we must ask ourselves several key questions: How can we better coordinate with our regional partners to deliver regional transit options? How will we serve an increasing number of seniors who will be demanding more transportation choices while living in areas not easily served by transit? How can JTA be part of attracting a younger, less auto-centric generation that is looking to locate in active urban areas?

As long as the focus is being the lead agency in a 'regional transit system' Jacksonville will suffer from neglect. Serving seniors in 'areas not easily served by transit' shouldn't mean more roads and bridges, rather, it should mean, DIAL-A-RIDE. The plan to attract a 'less auto-centric generation' is more roads and bridges and more buses... BRILLIANT!

Public Policy Context

Fiscal, energy and environmental policy at the federal, state and local level will shape transportation policy.

No it won't, at least not as long as our transit system relies on gas or diesel.

There will also be an increased focus on reducing dependence on foreign oil and minimizing environmental impacts from the transportation sector.

The key word here is 'reducing' rather then eliminating. This is like putting on a pair of handcuffs and 'reducing' the handcuffs by adjusting the tension.

This will affect revenue available for transportation investments; state and federal funding priorities; the need to increase coordination between land use and transportation planning; and the fuel efficiency and emissions from transit fleets. It will also affect the level of investment needed for effective transit systems in urban areas to achieve national policy goals.

Why 'achieve national policy goals' when we live in Florida? How about a local goal of ZERO foreign fuel use? Why follow when we can lead?

CONTINUING A MULTI-MODAL FOCUS

Focus will be placed on projects aimed at alleviating bottlenecks, improving airport/seaport access and freight mobility, and smaller scale roadway enhancements to support and integrate transit with the pedestrian environment.

Translation: More intersections, more overpasses, more roads, with transit or pedestrian environment dead last in priority.

Additionally, the JTA Engineering function will support JTA’s Mass Transit and Strategic Planning departments through the development of projects such as Bus Rapid Transit and future commuter rail.

Lastly, JTA will work to identify future needs and then develop and prioritize critical transportation improvements to address those needs.

Ever notice that commuter rail and much less STREETCAR is NEVER mentioned without the insertion of the word 'future?' Perhaps because in a land where 'continuing multi-modal' means autos, buses and trucks, words like 'future needs' means complete disregard for the public's desires.

The public has spoken loud and clear that streetcar, commuter rail and Skyway are priorities and rather then work to develop a plan that embraces those desires, JTA has chosen to challenge them.

DEVELOPING A FIRST TIER TRANSIT SYSTEM

JTA will continue to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the bus system by reducing route duplication, eliminating lower performing routes and focusing resources on the higher-demand corridors - while utilizing vehicles more efficiently.

Effectiveness, reducing route duplication and eliminating lower performing routes are often mutually exclusive. Think of a body's circulatory system, one has veins, arteries and capitularies, JTA wants to eliminate the capitularies in order to make stronger veins and arteries.

Improving coordination between paratransit services and community shuttles and fixed routes; integrating more routes into the Skyway; and implementing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). 

While I applaud that concept of community buses and integrating more routes into the Skyway, BRT will not deliver a 'First Tier' system.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

...These include BRT; regional commuter rail; the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center Regional; regional Park-and-Ride facilities; transit oriented development (TOD) planning and the Regional Transportation Study Commission.

WHAT?!! No streetcar?

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

The BRT will provide enhanced service with increased frequency, enhanced stations, branded buses, segments of dedicated lanes, traffic signal priority and possibly queue jumps at selected intersections. 

With fewer stops and more frequent service, the BRT will serve as a critical new element of JTA’s transit system - by providing a premium service on more heavily-traveled corridors that enables customers to move efficiently throughout the city.

Building into BRT that parallels a potential rail or Skyway transit route equals building redundancy. It's hard to imagine how BRT like the southeast corridor would attract more riders along boulevards where sidewalks are non existent.

Commuter Rail Planning

JTA is exploring the potential for commuter rail in Northeast Florida. 

Bravo! But I expect the north side route to morph into light-rail.

Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center

The Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center (JRTC) project will integrate multiple facilities and improve access to Jacksonville's public transit network. The JRTC proposes to connect local bus, intercity bus, Amtrak, commuter rail, Skyway, and bicycle and pedestrian amenities.

The JRTC does NOT and will NOT integrate the various modes of surface transportation in Jacksonville. The whole concept of a transportation center to realize the economies of sharing ticketing, waiting rooms, restrooms, food service etc. under a single roof. As long as the plan is to create 4 separate, stand-alone stations, the JRTC will remain the anthesis of a transit center.

Plans for a new intercity bus facility are moving forward and JTA is working with various partners to make the relocation of Amtrak to Downtown a high priority.

I've spoken with the Greyhound Lines CEO, he said they will NOT move into any station shared by carriers that do not pay their fair share of the costs. So unless Megabus, La Cubana and Red Coach can be persuaded to ante up, this is a use of public funds to create a station for Greyhound Lines ONLY. When past JTA directors said multiple carriers could use the bus station, they lied.

Regional Park and Ride Development

No argument that Park and Ride shouldn't be part of the plan, but getting to the lot may be a challenge if we don't include pedestrian and bicycle access.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Planning

JTA is developing strategies to promote compact, mixed-use development adjacent to existing and future transit facilities.
A TOD station-area master planning process is currently underway for the San Marco and Southbank area.  This will provide a template for future TODs around transit stations.

TOD is not a socialist experiment, TOD is developed by the private sector working with a rapid transit system. JTA planning 'mixed use' developments is a gross misinterpretation of what a TOD should be.
                     

Regional Transportation Study Commission

While the RTSC effort has a multi-modal focus, there is a strong interest in regional transit planning.  As the Northeast Florida region expands, the demand for regional transit will, too. 

Multi-modal = cars, trucks, buses?

Regional JTA = spreading the misery everywhere we go?

SEEKING INPUT

As previously noted, JTA’s Consolidated Plan includes much more than the agency’s strategic Initiatives.  It is a roadmap for the future of the Agency and we appreciate your input.

I really don't know why because the track record of the agency is complete and total disregard what the public wants. IE: did you see the word 'streetcar' anywhere in this article?

MetroJacksonville is home to some of JTA’s fiercest critics,

I'm your huckleberry!

but it is also home to people (many who are professional planners) who share our desire for and understand the importance of JTA’s role in a vibrant and growing city.  We hope you will join us on July 26.

Actually we 'understand the importance of MASS TRANSIT'S role in a vibrant and growing city, there would be few tears shed if JTA ceased to exist tomorrow.

All of this said, it would be a real hoot if everyone attending the event tomorrow came in and expressed the word 'STREETCAR.'

Article by Brad Thoburn, JTA Director of Strategic Planning and Research

Brad is one of the good guys at JTA but no doubt he has marching orders from the dark forces that possess this city. If we create a municipal street railway, Brad is one of a handful of JTA people I'd like to have on board. My responses are a response to the 'company line' transparent in this article and in NO WAY should reflect ill will toward Brad.

[Kay]

It does crack me up that buses and roads equal multi-modal in JTA's world.

[daveindesmoines1]

As a person with many relatives living in the Jacksonville area; can the following improve transportation for people and for goods?

Could major bus stops be set up at various parts of your city? It could be between major employers, medical centers, and residences. Then these long buses could dart through traffic using new diamond lanes. Vans could transport people from the areas around these major bus stops. Perhaps one diamond lane of highway could be painted for "bus trains" that run on wheels and for emergency vehicles. I just read that it is taking longer for emergency vehicles to reach accidents due to stopped traffic. These diamond lanes could be used by emergency vehicles to get there faster.

Input would need to be done to make the bus system more efficient. Surveys could be done to ask people of where and when they work. It could ask the times they would need transportation. It would also ask for other suggestions they have to make mass transit more attractive to ride. Perhaps coupons to various restaurants, football tickets and other attractions could be awarded to those who fill these surveys.   

What if a major hurricane is about to hit your area, can better neighborhood planning be done to prepare for when this to about to happen? Should more parks be set aside, dotting across Jacksonville, to be used as emergency staging grounds when necessary? These parks could be fenced off built with gates, to be enjoyed for those who live nearby. For times of emergency, like a major hurricane, these parks could be used as emergency staging grounds for area residents. They could drop emergency food, water and first aide by navy helicopters at these parks. The gates would then be used for crowd control.  Earth moving vehicles could also be dropped at these parks. The injured could be picked up from these parks. Perhaps new state of the art hospital and cargo ships could dock just offshore after the storm has struck. This way, supplies may be air lifted from the cargo ships to these new parks. And the injured may be air lifted from the parks to the hospital ships. This may prove more useful until all the roads are cleared of debris.   

Perhaps these parks could process emergency supplies faster by air than the traditional road way system before the storm is about to hit. Your local hardware and grocery store could set up shop at these parks by using prepackaged semi trucks containers. Sort of like how the military uses containers to set up a hospital near the front lines. These containers would contain cash registers to process debit cards for purchases, among other things.

Now I know some of these ideas may sound crazy; however, these concepts may prove useful. Since I have many relatives living in the Jacksonville area; I have a vested interest in how your community is designed. Are these ideas doable? You be the judge.

[exnewsman]

Could major bus stops be set up at various parts of your city? It could be between major employers, medical centers, and residences. Then these long buses could dart through traffic using new diamond lanes. Vans could transport people from the areas around these major bus stops.

JTA has four bus hubs - Downtown; Northside at Gateway Mall; Southside/Arlington at Regnecy Mall and Westside at FSCJ Kent Campus. JTA also operates 10-12 community shuttles that run in specific zones aroudn the city that connect with main line bus routes to go outside the zone.

[Ocklawaha]

Could major bus stops be set up at various parts of your city? It could be between major employers, medical centers, and residences. Then these long buses could dart through traffic using new diamond lanes. Vans could transport people from the areas around these major bus stops.

JTA has four bus hubs - Downtown; Northside at Gateway Mall; Southside/Arlington at Regency Mall and Westside at FSCJ Kent Campus. JTA also operates 10-12 community shuttles that run in specific zones around the city that connect with main line bus routes to go outside the zone.

5 if one includes Kings Avenue Skyway station, 7 if one considers Orange Park Mall and Avenues Mall where JTA buses meet and interchange passengers with Sunshine Bus and Clay County Transit respectively. All of these sites act as major hubs of the system.

DAVEINDESMOINES Interesting ideas. I'd suggest you read through some of our transit threads and articles, just click transit at the top of our pages.

Don't know if you know, but Jacksonville's transit system ranks well within the nation's top 100 in size. The Jacksonville metropolitan area is a little over twice the size of the Des Moines-Newton-Pella, Iowa metro, and we have the nations largest park system.

Hurricanes are of course always a clear and present danger, but being the western most point on the Atlantic coast means that most of them chug right on by, somewhere out at sea. All municipal, postal, police, fire, rescue, and transit vehicles are part of our civil defense network and any or all can be called on in an emergency.

Tell your family about MJ!

[Bill Hoff]

Anyone listen to the discussion about this on Tuesday's First Coast Connect?

When asked about the mobility fee issue, Mr. Thoburn basically said that he/JTA thinks it's the way to go...but didn't want to step on anyones toes about the moratorium.