News Summary
The St. Johns River Ferry in Jacksonville is set to receive a $15.6 million investment from the Department of Transportation. This funding will enable the acquisition of an additional ferry boat to enhance transportation options for local communities and improve reliability for commuters. The new ferry is expected to be operational by 2028 or 2029, featuring a hybrid power system and aiming to alleviate recent service interruptions caused by maintenance and incidents. Local residents express the need for more frequent service, highlighting the ferry’s vital role in daily commutes across the St. Johns River.
Jacksonville, Florida – The St. Johns River Ferry is set to receive a significant boost with a $15.6 million investment from the Department of Transportation, aimed at enhancing transportation options for communities in Fort George Island, Mayport, and Jacksonville. This funding will allow for the acquisition of an additional ferry boat, which will help alleviate service interruptions that have affected local commuters.
The new ferry is expected to serve as a critical transportation link, providing an alternative route across the St. Johns River. Many local residents prefer the ferry to the Dames Point Bridge, citing concerns about safety and the alleviation of traffic congestion. The additional ferry boat will provide options during maintenance periods, ensuring that service remains reliable for those who rely on it for their daily commutes.
Recent disruptions in ferry operations have highlighted the importance of having multiple vessels available. The current ferry had to cease services for several weeks following an incident in which it crashed into the boarding ramp on May 4, 2023. The JTA is currently investigating this incident, with no injuries reported. Local residents have expressed their concerns about this temporary shutdown and the potential need for a second vessel to improve service reliability for commuter traffic.
Commuters have emphasized the importance of having another boat at the ready to mitigate disruptions. Many raised the possibility of returning to a more frequent service schedule, calling for an increase from the current half-hour intervals to every 15 minutes. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), which operates the ferry, has been contacted regarding potential plans for expanding service frequency with the introduction of a second ferry.
The new ferry, expected to be operational by 2028 or 2029, will operate using a hybrid mix of diesel and battery power, making it a more environmentally friendly option. The JTA also plans to finance the necessary landside infrastructure improvements using local gas tax revenue, bringing the total projected expenditure to approximately $30 million.
The ferry route is essential for connecting Florida A1A through the Beaches in Duval County to the eastern side of Nassau County, making it a vital transportation link for many individuals living in the area. City Council member Rory Diamond noted that numerous residents depend on the ferry for their daily commutes, making it crucial for the JTA to maintain a high level of service.
In light of the recent incidents and the upcoming enhancements, local residents are hopeful for improved ferry service moving forward, allowing for a more sustainable and efficient method of crossing the St. Johns River. The commitment from the Department of Transportation to invest in this new ferry underscores the importance of reliable public transportation options for communities across the region.
As Jacksonville continues to grow, the addition of the new ferry will not only offer immediate benefits but also pave the way for long-term improvements in regional transportation infrastructure. With the anticipated investment, the St. Johns River Ferry expects to enhance connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Johns River Ferry Service Reopens Earlier Than Expected
Body of Missing Man Found in St. Johns River
Festivals Set to Light Up Jacksonville This Weekend
Additional Resources
- WOKV: St. Johns River Ferry Investment
- First Coast News: Jacksonville Ferry Grant
- Action News Jax: Grant for Second Ferry
- Jacksonville.com: Ferry Out of Service
- WorkBoat: Ferry Service to Resume
- Wikipedia: St. Johns River
- Google Search: St Johns River Ferry
- Google Scholar: St Johns River Ferry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Johns River
- Google News: St Johns River Ferry
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
