JTA's Transit Initiatives

Metro Jacksonville · February 20, 2009, 04:00:00 AM

JTA's Transit Initiatives

Although not a true master plan, JTA's Transit Initiatives is the closest thing to one yet. If visions can become reality, Jacksonville may have a regional mass transit system that includes commuter rail, light rail, streetcars and waterborne transit.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/1009

fsujax · February 20, 2009, 08:03:02 AM

Here's the link the JTA website that host the map. I think this is a work in progress, but at least it is a start.

http://www.jtafla.com/RTS/showPage.aspx?Sel=5

Captain Zissou · February 20, 2009, 08:35:42 AM

What is the green line (High Frequency Transit) supposed to mean?

Doctor_K · February 20, 2009, 08:47:18 AM

Green lines = better/faster/more coordinated (regular) bus routes, with decentralized hubs?

thelakelander · February 20, 2009, 09:29:38 AM

^Most likely.

jandar · February 20, 2009, 10:06:24 AM

They already have Bus Lanes in place now on Blanding Blvd from 103rd st south to Morse Ave.

They are moving ahead before they even have the plan in place.

fsujax · February 20, 2009, 11:03:44 AM

Remeber BRT has been planned for years. I think the purpose of the map is to put everything being studied on one map. Some of the projects are much further along than others...i.e. BRT vs Commuter Rail

Cliffs_Daughter · February 20, 2009, 11:07:47 AM

ah, the bus lanes... that's in my neck of the woods.
those poor folks who can't park in the street for the flea market anymore...

Anyway, it's a good start for JTA. At least they're DOING not just THINKING now. But I can't wait to see how soon the first collision happens in a bus lane.

jandar · February 20, 2009, 11:29:48 AM

I am really curious to see how/if they extend it down to Kingsley Ave in Orange Park (according to that map, BRT will be there)

There is no extra room on Blanding south of Wells Rd for any additional lanes. So they cannot just add a bus lane, will they dare take a lane over?

Jason · February 20, 2009, 01:37:26 PM

Man, if all of this was up and running tomorrow....Jacksonville would instantly be a COMPLETELY different place.

I wonder why there is no indication of future skyway extensions?

thelakelander · February 20, 2009, 03:52:26 PM

Quote from: fsujax on February 20, 2009, 11:03:44 AM
Remember BRT has been planned for years. I think the purpose of the map is to put everything being studied on one map. Some of the projects are much further along than others...i.e. BRT vs Commuter Rail

I think this is a huge problem, although the BRT lanes on Blanding are a pilot project.

As we pointed out when this site first began, a significant portion of the BRT plan is illogical, overly expensive and not even necessary at best. These plans are also about 10 years out of date and don't fall in line with the goals of the new administration. JTA would be smart to put the breaks on this thing and complete an overall transit master plan first. Not only would it help repair JTA's poor image in the community, it will also free up funds to properly implement a well thought out plan.

fsujax · February 20, 2009, 04:03:23 PM

I don't think its the full BRT that was set forth years ago, maybe BRT lite. Not dedicated guideways or anything like that.

thelakelander · February 20, 2009, 04:04:28 PM

Cool. That's good to know.

Ocklawaha · February 20, 2009, 06:05:15 PM

I am 100% sold on the JTA BRT plan if it follows this model and makes a couple of corrections:

1. NO BRT line will duplicate Rail
2. NO BRT line will duplicate Skyway
3. NO BRT line will duplicate Streetcar
--------------------------

4. Stations designed to be adaptive for streetcar, LRT or Intermodal future.
5. Coaches on long haul lines should be high capacity, hybrids and/or articulateds
6. Any high capicaty BRT line with ridership success should be immediately considered for TROLLEY BUS - a type of fixed route transit. (which is much more TOD friendly)
7. All vehicles should be ordered with high capacity doors, level floors and doors on BOTH sides.

Could a BRT bus, Commuter Train and Streetcar all start in the same downtown location and end up at the same suburban station? CERTAINLY. JUST DON'T DUPLICATE THE ROUTE - street by street.

For Example Union Station to Gateway Mall "could be"

BRT up Boulevard and Golfair - Union Station to Mall
"S" Line Commuter Rail - Union Station - Springfield - Gateway Mall
Streetcar - PEARL STREET historic car line to 44 Th, hence to Gateway Mall.
Skyway up Davis - Shands - I-95 to Gateway Mall.

4 different systems, only 2 end points and 4 COMPLETELY different and complimentary routes.

As long as JTA uses the HOV LANE model, signal priority, orange lines, cones or markers, in a lane open to any bus, taxi, emergency, or high occupancy vehicle (HOV). I'm for it. It's cheap, quick and a great way to start feeding a future and growing rail system, be it the Skyway, Streetcar, Amtrak, or Commuter Rail.

OCKLAWAHA

BridgeTroll · February 20, 2009, 06:21:56 PM

Quote7. All vehicles should be ordered with high capacity doors, level floors and doors on BOTH sides.

This may go without saying but I would like to add... Bicycle friendly.