Re-evaluating the Skyway

[fsujax]

If we tear the Skyway down, we owe the Feds all their money back.

[heights unknown]

I don't think we should tear the skyway down, I think we should improve on what's already there, i.e., refurbish and overhaul the existing system and then expand it to other areas, but do this in a smart way taking into consideration what is really needed transportation-wise around Jacksonville and also complement the skyway with the existing JTA transportation bus system.  Don't agree with tearing down and rebuilding...to me that's a waste of money, time, etc.

Heights Unknown

[blizz01]

The Skyway is to be closed on Saturdays, to run weekdays only starting in September 

A series of changes is on the way for transportation service in Jacksonville.


The Jacksonville Transportation Authority has unveiled tentative changes to bus routes in Jacksonville that will keep larger buses out of residential neighborhoods. It also wants to discontinue Skyway service on Saturday.


Under the plans what would take effect on Sept. 7, service with the bigger, 40-seat buses that are about 35 feet long will be scaled back, and smaller, 20-seat shuttles that are about 25 feet long will be introduced into about a half-dozen neighborhoods. The smaller buses also provide para-transit service, usually called JTA Connexion.


The Skyway schedule would be cut to weekdays only because of low ridership.


These plans are tentative and could be changed. JTA will conduct two public meetings today  at the FCCJ downtown campus to get feedback.


The Times-Union spoke to JTA service planning manager Kent Stover  and JTA spokesman Mike Miller about the proposed changes.


What is JTA planning to do?


JTA will introduce shuttle service to the areas around Cecil Commerce Parkway, the Northside, Orange Park, Mandarin, Broward Road, and Southside and the Beaches. These shuttles will remain in specific neighborhoods and not go from one part of the city to another, like the larger buses do now.


One shuttle was previously introduced in 2008, in Arlington, and that has been a success. So JTA is moving forward with more shuttles.


What if a person wants to take a bus from the Beaches to Mandarin?


You will need to take the larger buses. However, each of the smaller shuttle buses will have a connection point that will allow you to get on the bigger buses. For example, the Broward Road shuttle will let people out at the Highlands Square Shopping Center on Dunn Avenue, where you can get on larger buses that will take you to other parts of town.


How much will these shuttles cost and when will they be running?


The shuttles cost the same as the regular buses: A regular fare is $1; senior citizens ride for free. You can also purchase a monthly pass for $40, a weekly pass for $12 and several discount booklets. For an extra 50 cents, you can call ahead and the bus will deviate from its route to take you to another location, assuming it’s not too far off of the existing route. You must call JTA at least two hours before getting on the bus for this to happen.


Will any existing bus routes change?


Six existing routes will see modifications. Most of these modifications will keep the bus routes out of residential neighborhoods. For example the B-6 route on the Westside now ends at the FCCJ Cecil Center. Because a shuttle will be operating in that area as of Sept. 7, the B-6 route will now end at Old Middleburg Road and 103rd St.


Other routes that will see modifications are the AR-3 in Arlington, NS-2 and NS-14 on the Northside and the SS-6 and SS-8 on the Southside. All the modifications will be detailed at today’s public meetings.


What about the Skyway?


The Skyway will stop operating on Saturdays after Sept. 5, except during special events. The people mover now runs from 1-7 p.m. on Saturdays, but JTA has decided to discontinue Saturday service because of low ridership. It does not run on Sundays and now will operate only on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.


How can people give feedback on this before Sept. 7?


JTA will be taking feedback at today’s meetings. If the community opposes any part of this plan, JTA will look into making changes before Sept. 7. People who cannot attend these meetings can also contact JTA by calling 630-3153 or by e-mailing Kent Stover at kstover@jtafla.com.

http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-07-22/story/jta_bus_shuttles_coming_for_neighborhoods

[tufsu1]

Another step to making the Skyway successful?

btw...maybe JTA could do some upgrades to their bus system if the fares wasn't so low....I mean, I paid $1 per ride and $48 per month for a transit pass in Philly in 1991!

[civil42806]

Sorry but there is no way you can make a silk purse out of a pigs ear.  Terminate this abomination and lets move on.  I have no objection to properly managed mass transit, but this isn't it.  Please spare me the rail discussions, this website has turned into a train fetish site.

[thelakelander]

You would be amazed to find out what you can do with pig ears.  You may not want to read the site tomorrow.  The front page article will feature a pretty impressive Jacksonville related rail update.

[urbanlibertarian]

Welcome, newbie.

[Jaxson]

I would not mind scrapping the Skyway in favor of developing better transit, but what happens if we do get rid of it?  It is my understanding that the federal government would not take to kindly to us eliminating the Skyway.  Is it not true that the feds would be reluctant to send future funding to our mass transit if we went ahead an killed the Skyway?  I remember reading about this in the Times-Union...

[thelakelander]

Yes it's true. We would also have to pay the feds back their investment in building it. After, like the Big Dig, they paid for most of it.

[ricker]

oh btw regarding the current "not allowed" status of bikes on the monorail.
just walk it up the escalator/ or ride the elevator.
ignore the empty booming voice from the ghost town 'portico'
roll on and claim ignorance when the JTA badged individual greets you at your stop with an assistant holding cuffs.
This was my most recent experience riding the confounded contraption over the river from SanMarco to Sprringfield.
Oh?
wait.  hold it a tic.
that's right - it doesn't go to either of those places. hmm