JTA's fast bus program still in planning

[Steve]

Richard Ervin believes the bus system in Jacksonville could run better than it does now.
   
While waiting for a ride at the Florida Community College at Jacksonville Station, Ervin said people can't always rely on the buses operating on time.

There are often delays in traffic, and they can't always be relied upon to get to work on time, he said.

In response to complaints from people like Ervin, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority is starting an effort to improve the public bus system in downtown Jacksonville.

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/071608/met_304439793.shtml

[Steve]

Public input

Hearing: There will be two public hearings on the Jacksonville Transportation Authority's downtown transit enhancement project Thursday at Jacksonville City Hall at 427 W. Duval St. The first will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the formal public hearing from noon to 1 p.m. The second will be from 4 to 6 p.m. with the formal public hearing occurring from 5 to 6 p.m. Copies of an environmental assessment report that looks at the feasibility of instituting a new public bus system can be viewed at the Main Library at 303 N. Laura St. or the JTA offices at 100 N. Myrtle Ave.

This is on Thursday, July 17th.  The T-U left that detail out

[ProjectMaximus]

From the article: "Bus Rapid Transit has been criticized by rail proponents who want to see JTA focus on building a commuter rail system. JTA officials claim the solution to Jacksonville transportation problems include both rail and buses."

That's really funny to me. Isn't that what MJ has said all along? Apparently rail proponents just don't seem to understand that the two systems must complement each other...and JTA does. 

[02roadking]

Yep, multi-mode transportation is the future I hope.

Nice little article from the huggers over at http://www.treehugger.com/

"They have begun to realize that urban transport systems based on a combination of rail lines, bus lines, bicycle pathways, and pedestrian walkways offer the best of all possible worlds in providing mobility, low-cost transportation, and a healthy urban environment."

Entire article below:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/07/redesigning_urb.php

[tufsu1]

seems to me there is a bigger problem with the article

"The agency sees Bus Rapid Transit as part of a future regional transportation system that includes the existing Skyway, commuter rail and possibly boats that can transport people throughout Southwest Florida."

That will be quite a long boat ride 

[Lunican]

I guess JTA will be operating in the Everglades now.

[Steve]

So - anyone going to this?  I'll try to make it down there for the 12 to 1 part

[brainstormer]

I understand JTA wants a combination of both.  I can see where perhaps Rapid bus makes sense going down Atlantic from Arlington to the Beach, or following JTB from 95 to the beach.  I think what we really need to watch out for is including them in areas like Downtown, Five Points and San Marco.  Rapid bus would essentially ruin some of the great street development already going on in these areas.  Lets leave streetcars and the skyway for these areas.