JTA Transit Ridership Numbers

CS Foltz · October 14, 2010, 12:34:10 PM

chris.....stephen....both of you are correct with your take on JTA! A leach on the mass transit equation and then some...............BRT running along side rail! Anyone know just which bovine came up with this brain storm?

ChriswUfGator · October 14, 2010, 01:38:45 PM

Quote from: stephendare on October 14, 2010, 01:04:13 PM
In fact, using the same chart, of all cities with a population of greater than 700,000 Jacksonville is dead last in percentage of population using mass transit, and among cities with a population of greater than 500,000 it is second to last.

Wonderful. Dead last out of every decent-sized city. Dead. Last.

But clearly JTA "works" just fine, doesn't it?

Jdog · October 15, 2010, 11:13:22 AM

Hi everybody,

Sorry in advance if I'm not close enough on the specific topic.
Out of curiousity I sent an email to JTA (they are supposed to respond in three days but never did), asking primarily the following:

"Does JTA have any plans to expand the Skyway system? Would JTA be ready to apply for federal funding for this purpose if a new Federal program is developed for infrastructure improvements that includes mass transit funding?"

I don't know much about JTA compared to some of the people on the site, any thoughts or comments? ("Mass transit" is some dicey language I can see in retrospect).

Thanks!

ChriswUfGator · October 15, 2010, 03:24:51 PM

Quote from: Jdog on October 15, 2010, 11:13:22 AM
Hi everybody,

Sorry in advance if I'm not close enough on the specific topic.
Out of curiousity I sent an email to JTA (they are supposed to respond in three days but never did), asking primarily the following:

"Does JTA have any plans to expand the Skyway system? Would JTA be ready to apply for federal funding for this purpose if a new Federal program is developed for infrastructure improvements that includes mass transit funding?"

I don't know much about JTA compared to some of the people on the site, any thoughts or comments? ("Mass transit" is some dicey language I can see in retrospect).

Thanks!

So JTA didn't even write you back? Nice.

CS Foltz · October 15, 2010, 07:31:57 PM

No responce to public input or requests for information or even posting the most current operating figures.......so why does the public accept substandard transit? Because it's the only game in town! Maybe we should consider firing JTA and starting our own bus system? I mean .....I think I could do better hiring illegals and using old retired school bus's and would provide shelters!

Jdog · October 16, 2010, 08:10:46 AM

That's correct, no response from JTA.

The economy could bump and grind along anemically for quite some time and, although the mood runs counter to additional stimulus right now, things could change, and I would have been satisfied with a generic response from JTA stating JTA is prepared to apply for grants or the like if they become available for mass transit purposes.

That was my main question. More specifically, I wonder right now, for example, if the Skyway is so given up on that it wouldn't be extended even with substantial funds and outside support that could become available (as is it will be perpetually starved for riders - it's only created to fail). Does the JTA only have a pitch ready for funds for a bigger bus system? Would the JTA only bother with a bus pitch and nothing else? Does anybody have a sense as to what funds have ever been applied for or could be?

I don't know much about that kind of stuff - just interested from you all!

Go Jags!

fieldafm · October 17, 2010, 04:35:23 PM

Quote from: Jdog on October 15, 2010, 11:13:22 AM
Hi everybody,

Sorry in advance if I'm not close enough on the specific topic.
Out of curiousity I sent an email to JTA (they are supposed to respond in three days but never did), asking primarily the following:

"Does JTA have any plans to expand the Skyway system? Would JTA be ready to apply for federal funding for this purpose if a new Federal program is developed for infrastructure improvements that includes mass transit funding?"

I don't know much about JTA compared to some of the people on the site, any thoughts or comments? ("Mass transit" is some dicey language I can see in retrospect).

Thanks!

In my experience, JTA has always responded to my emails or written comments from public meetings(actually got a letter from them on Friday). It may not be within three days(it usually isn't) and they don't always address every question(especially on operating budget questions, but the vast majority of other questions get answered). That much, I will certainly give the agency. I always get responses in a very professional manner.

Good luck to you!

CS Foltz · October 17, 2010, 06:01:54 PM

Glad to hear someone is getting a responce from JTA, now if we could just get some accurate operating numbers that are up to date and current...........maybe the heat will abate! Unless this is deliberate on their part to keep from getting roasted with actual numbers that show just how badly they are doing! I do wonder though!

showdogpro · October 25, 2010, 05:39:58 PM

I don't know if this is what you guys are looking for (re: budgets) , but I just noticed JTA's 2009 annual report is FINALLY on the website.

tufsu1 · October 25, 2010, 07:44:15 PM

I would assume they had to wait on final review from auditors prior to posting them

ChriswUfGator · October 25, 2010, 07:48:57 PM

Quote from: tufsu1 on October 25, 2010, 07:44:15 PM
I would assume they had to wait on final review from auditors prior to posting them

It's almost 2011.

If this happened to an actual corporation, it would have been delisted.

tufsu1 · October 25, 2010, 08:03:03 PM

not true...I know many corporations that publish their previous year financials 6+ months late.

ChriswUfGator · October 25, 2010, 08:08:13 PM

Quote from: tufsu1 on October 25, 2010, 08:03:03 PM
not true...I know many corporations that publish their previous year financials 6+ months late.

Not supposed to if they're NASDAQ or NYSE listed.

tufsu1 · October 25, 2010, 08:12:38 PM

maybe so...but there are lots of private companies (even ones that file with the SEC) that can do it.

and plenty of government entities take their time...for example, if their fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, then they close their books sometime in November or December...get their audit done in January, pay the IRS in February/March (for-profit companies)...and then release their figures

ChriswUfGator · October 25, 2010, 09:34:16 PM

Quote from: tufsu1 on October 25, 2010, 08:12:38 PM
maybe so...but there are lots of private companies (even ones that file with the SEC) that can do it.

and plenty of government entities take their time...for example, if their fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, then they close their books sometime in November or December...get their audit done in January, pay the IRS in February/March (for-profit companies)...and then release their figures

Except we're now going into November and JTA just released. You don't think that's kinda late?