JTA might end Skyway fares permanently

[Jaxson]

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-05-02/story/jta-might-end-skyway-fares-permanently

[JeffreyS]

It would be a good move IMO.

[Anti redneck]

As good a move as it is, how would it be paid for?

[duvaldude08]

As good a move as it is, how would it be paid for?

If you are losing that much money and you are in the red every year, you might as well make it free. There are several other cities whose people movers are free as well. Public transportation in general does not make profit.

[dougskiles]

As good a move as it is, how would it be paid for?

It might not cover all the operating cost, but leasing space out under the stations would contribute some.  A portion of the tax revenue from the property surrounding the stations could also be directed to the operations budget.

[fsujax]

Federal funding formulas also will allow JTA to get more money from FTA due to higher ridership. A little unknown fact. Leasing out space at stations for retail kiosks is a great idea!

[dougskiles]

Federal funding formulas also will allow JTA to get more money from FTA due to higher ridership. A little unknown fact.

That needs to become a better known fact.  How much more does JTA get per rider?

[fsujax]

not sure Doug. FTA bases their discretionary funding formulas on several factors including population, pop density, ridership.

[Tacachale]

This would be a good idea. Leasing space would also be a good idea. So would the Courthouse using the Kings Ave garage for juror parking connected by the Skyway. And also expansion to areas where people actually live. So many good ideas...

[Jason]

In addition to leasing out station space, wrap the trains with advertising.  JTA already does it with the busses....

Would be cool to see an EverBank tram or one sponsored by the Jags, etc.  Maybe limit the advertising to buisnesses with a downtown presence?

[fsujax]

Jason, you just may see an Everbank train or station!

[Jason]

Ohhh the hints!  Roll out the vinyl and start cutting!   

[Tacachale]

I just hate those wraps. As I've said elsewhere they may be nice income for the city but so often they're bought by abominable entities like for-profit "colleges" and personal injury lawyers. Eddie and Chuck's mugs and the Virginia "College" logo plastered on buses and now flying through the sky on the people mover, talk about visual blight.

Everbank would be cool though.

[dougskiles]

And just imagine if you could ride the Everbank Skyway to Everbank Field?

[fsujax]

or to San Marco!