Jacksonville, Florida, January 15, 2026
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has announced a fare increase for its Connexion Plus service, which will take effect February 1, 2026. The new fare structure adjusts the cost for the first 8 miles from $6.00 to $10.00, with additional charges for longer distances. A maximum of 40 trips per month will be permitted during the pilot program. This decision aims to offset rising operational costs while maintaining service availability for eligible customers.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) Announces Fare Increases for Connexion Plus Service
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has announced a fare increase for its premium Connexion Plus service, effective February 1, 2026. The new fare structure aims to address rising operational costs and ensure the continued availability of this essential service for eligible customers.
Details of the Fare Increase
- New Fare Structure: The fare for the first 8 miles will increase from $6.00 to $10.00, with an additional charge of $3.50 per mile for distances beyond 8 miles.
- Ride Limit: A maximum of 40 trips per month will be implemented during the six-month pilot program.
- Cost Coverage: Despite the fare increase, JTA will continue to subsidize more than 75% of the average Connexion Plus ride cost.
Background and Rationale
Connexion Plus, launched in 2019, serves as a premium, on-demand, private, same-day, door-to-door service for eligible Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) customers. The service has experienced significant growth, with operating expenses projected to exceed $8 million in 2026, a notable increase from the $6.3 million in 2025.
In response to community feedback, JTA has revised its initial proposal to discontinue Connexion Plus, opting instead to implement the fare increase and trip limit as measures to maintain sustainability of the service. This decision highlights the authority’s willingness to listen to public input while balancing strategic economic management.
Community Engagement
Throughout the planning process, JTA has actively engaged the community by conducting public meetings to gather feedback regarding the fare modification pilot program. This commitment to community engagement reflects an understanding of the importance of local input in making decisions that affect public services.
Looking Ahead
The six-month pilot program will begin on February 1, 2026. JTA staff will monitor ridership patterns and gather feedback throughout the pilot period, with plans to make that data available to the public. This transparency will allow community members to assess the impact of these changes and provide additional insights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new fare structure for Connexion Plus?
The fare for the first 8 miles will increase from $6.00 to $10.00, with an additional charge of $3.50 per mile for distances beyond 8 miles.
How many trips per month are allowed during the pilot program?
A maximum of 40 trips per month will be implemented during the six-month pilot program.
Why is JTA increasing fares for Connexion Plus?
The fare increase aims to address rising operational costs and ensure the continued availability of the Connexion Plus service for eligible customers.
Will JTA continue to subsidize Connexion Plus?
Yes, JTA will continue to subsidize more than 75% of the average Connexion Plus ride cost despite the fare increase.
When does the pilot program begin?
The six-month pilot program will begin on February 1, 2026.
Key Features of the Fare Increase
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Fare Structure | The fare for the first 8 miles will increase from $6.00 to $10.00, with an additional charge of $3.50 per mile for distances beyond 8 miles. |
| Ride Limit | A maximum of 40 trips per month will be implemented during the six-month pilot program. |
| Cost Coverage | JTA will continue to subsidize more than 75% of the average Connexion Plus ride cost despite the fare increase. |
| Community Engagement | JTA has conducted community meetings to gather public input on the fare modification pilot program. |
| Pilot Program Start Date | The six-month pilot program will begin on February 1, 2026. |
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JTA Addresses Community Concerns Over Fare Changes
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.
