JTA shifting towards mass transit?

[Bill Hoff]

The City Council is basically telling JTA to focus on mass transit.

Wow.

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-03-29/story/jta-might-soon-be-out-road-building-business

[Anti redneck]

So is this considered a good thing or a bad thing?

[kells904]

I was just about to try and post this--and probably not succeed...

Anyway, I was blown away to see this.  Could it be that the chance to fix a royal f--kup has come?

Ocklawaha, is destiny calling you, sir?

[brainstormer]

Anti Redneck,  this is not only good, it is downright awesome!  If they can shift to mass transit only and hire a really qualified director, good things will happen for Jacksonville.  I just hope the idiots on the council keep their mouths closed and let Bishop and Crescimbeni do the talking on this issue.  It is nice to see the two of them become a little bolder on issues such as mass transit.  I think having a supportive mayor on their side probably helps. 

[Anti redneck]

Well let's see what becomes. I'm on board.

[tufsu1]

I had a conversation tonight with someone pretty high up that leads me to believe this will happen fairly soon

On a related note, a new strategic plan was to be presented to the JTA Board today

[Kay]

Strategic plan developed by and presented by who?

[tufsu1]

Strategic plan developed by and presented by who?

It is a stretegic plan for the agency...developed by staff...and presented to the JTA Board

[tufsu1]

an interesting issue not raised in the article

the current gas tax can be used for capital AND operating costs...sales tax dollars can NOT be used for operations

so getting rid of the gas tax and instead using sales tax for transit won't help operate the system

[jcjohnpaint]

woot woot almost knocked me off my seat!  Great news! 

[duvaldude08]

Just read it. Fucking awesome! Man this got my pumped. We need a new direction in this city. Let get it right for ONCE. Its about time the city government pimp slaps JTA.

[thelakelander]

Nice. I'm glad this is being discussed by city leaders instead of just on MJ forum boards. 

[duvaldude08]

Nice. I'm glad this is being discussed by city leaders instead of just on MJ forum boards.

All it took was perseverance and patience.

Thanks Stephen and everyone invovled.!

[Anti redneck]

Now that this matter has been accomplished, let's try to get our other concerns pushed through. Like downtown for example.

[dougskiles]

Needless to say, I am thrilled with this.

“There just isn’t going to be a lot of money for road construction right now,” Jones said. “And we need to find a better way to get people around town.”

Let us show you Councilman Jones.  It starts with the Mobility Plan.