JTA opens test track to future for self-driving transit shuttles

[jaxlongtimer]

As usual, Jax thinks small with no long term vision.  I just read some statistics showing the regional population of Jax grows about 50% every 20 years.  With a current MSA population of around 1.5 million, we will be at least 2.25 million by 2035, and that is if our growth rate doesn't accelerate which it may very well do as South and Central Florida booms overflow northward.

The Skyway is a small minded project (just like our convention center planning supposedly underway) along with BRT and, now, these vehicles .  JTA and Jax continue to avoid the elephant in the room, rail mass transit: street cars and commuter trains that can move large numbers of people quickly over longer distances and that can positively impact TOD.

Just look at the recent Amazon criteria to see how real mass transit systems are the present and the future.  Jax isn't even discussing the issue (despite the fact that the Better Jacksonville Plan was supposed to allocate up to $100 million for planning and ROW of same.  Where did that money go?  To the stadium?)  perpetuating our back woods approach to City planning.  Same approach as forfeiting Downtown green space opportunities and street interactions and the effects of rising waters from global warming.  Reminds me of Nero fiddling while Rome burns.