The JTA Skyway: Keep it or dump it?

[thelakelander]

By David Chapman, Staff Writer

Since its first runs back in 1989, the Skyway has had its share of critics.
The people mover has had nicknames like the "Riderless Express." Some have deemed it a waste of taxpayer dollars.

The Downtown service also has had its share of supporters, evidenced by upward-ticking ridership in recent years. By the end of this year, it's expected almost 1.4 million people will use the service this year — almost 1 million per year than just five years ago. That's been boosted by free ridership since Sept. 1, 2012.

Despite the ups and down, the Skyway has arrived at a critical juncture in its lifetime.

The infrastructure is mostly solid. The vehicles used to ferry people throughout Downtown are not.

But, only six of the 10 vehicles remain in service and have a lifespan of another five years or so. That means the Jacksonville Transportation Authority has a tough question to answer — one with a high price tag, regardless of the direction it goes.

"It's one of the most challenging questions this team faces," said Nathaniel Ford, JTA's CEO.

An answer, the JTA has determined, can come in one of four forms: overhaul it, buy new vehicles, decommission the system or repurpose it.

Full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=546033

[Tacachale]

I'd say go big and do the new vehicles, based on one thing: savings in any future expansion. Using a normal streetcar would make it much cheaper to extend lines outside of Downtown than if we spend somewhat less money on new versions of the current cars. At the point Jacksonville does get a streetcar system, we'll be thankful we were so forward thinking.

With these price tags I'm not surprised some would be consider a total tear down, but it just seems wasteful when the infrastructure itself is still solid.

[Josh]

Doesn't look like much of a decision if you ask me.

[thelakelander]

I'd suggest new vehicles. However, go with a traditional or modern streetcar instead of more AGT vehicles. You'll have some initial infrastructure costs but the long term payout will blow any of the other options out of the water, because you'll have common equipment and future expansion can be done at-grade, significantly reducing the costs, while adding ridership.

[Tacachale]

^yeah that's the way to go. I thought that's what the article was talking about. Wonder what the cost difference would be.

[Charles Hunter]

I voted Other,  but see the Streetcar option is part of the Different Vehicles choice.  That seems to make the most sense.

[jcjohnpaint]

I am glad the article put down the costs from all areas.  I think that was smart, so the public could see how high the price would be for dumping the line.  New cars was my vote. 

[coredumped]

No surprise most on this forum (including myself) vote to spend the money and overhaul it. I would say though, if they do that they need to expand/finish it.

The skyway in its current form is not worth $85 million. Ridership also won't change much if it's left the way it is. Either put some money in to it or shut `er down. We can't half-ass it anymore.

[thelakelander]

If I read it right, shutting her down is $116 million, not including the cost of whatever transit service you're going to implement to replace it.

[jcjohnpaint]

Which will probably be buses for the next 100 years. 

[thelakelander]

^True, but there's still a cost associated with them. In other words, it's cheaper to keep her....

[iMarvin]

I say new vehicles that have a higher seating capacity than 6.

[UNFurbanist]

Ya, definitely get new vehicles and expand it. The street car idea is exactly what it should be so that the expansion can be easy and cheaper into urban core neighborhoods like Riverside and maybe even out to the stadium. We need to get on it soon!

[Jdog]

I'd suggest new vehicles. However, go with a traditional or modern streetcar instead of more AGT vehicles. You'll have some initial infrastructure costs but the long term payout will blow any of the other options out of the water, because you'll have common equipment and future expansion can be done at-grade, significantly reducing the costs, while adding ridership.

Written perfectly.  +1

[brainstormer]

I'd suggest new vehicles. However, go with a traditional or modern streetcar instead of more AGT vehicles. You'll have some initial infrastructure costs but the long term payout will blow any of the other options out of the water, because you'll have common equipment and future expansion can be done at-grade, significantly reducing the costs, while adding ridership.

Yes!