News Summary
Jacksonville has launched NAVI, the nation’s first public driverless transportation service. This pilot, initiated by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, begins operations on June 30. NAVI will cover a 3.5-mile route in the Downtown area, operating on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with free rides available until September 30. The service is part of a larger initiative to modernize public transportation and improve access for the community, featuring electric shuttles equipped with advanced technology.
Jacksonville has officially launched the nation’s first public driverless transportation service, known as NAVI, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) on June 27, 2025. The pilot service, which stands for Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation, will begin operations for the public on June 30, 2025.
NAVI will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., covering a 3.5-mile route along the Bay Street Innovation Corridor. The service will run from Pearl Street to EverBank Stadium, with 12 designated stops strategically located near key attractions. These include the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, the Jacksonville Naval Museum, The Florida Theatre, numerous hotels, sports venues, and over 35 dining options.
In an effort to encourage ridership, the service will be complimentary for all users until September 30, 2025. Although the shuttles are computer-navigated, a JTA employee will be present in each van to take control if any operational issues arise. Riders will also have the opportunity to provide feedback through a short survey after their trips, allowing the JTA to gather insights for future enhancements of the service.
NAVI is part of the JTA’s Ultimate Urban Circulator system, which is a 10-year initiative designed to modernize public transportation in the expanded Downtown area. This includes revitalization efforts for nearby neighborhoods such as Springfield, Riverside, and San Marco. The initial fleet consists of 14 electric Ford e-Transit vehicles equipped with an advanced automated driving system. Each shuttle can accommodate up to 9 passengers, including those with disabilities (ADA capability).
This initiative marks a significant step towards establishing a permanent public autonomous vehicle program, setting it apart from private autonomous ride services like Tesla’s Robotaxi and Google’s Waymo. The JTA CEO has highlighted how this innovative service will improve shared mobility and enhance accessibility for the community.
To ensure the success and sustainability of NAVI, a five-year contract for operations and maintenance has been awarded to Beep, Inc., a transportation firm based in Orlando, valued at up to $36.3 million. The JTA itself invested $65 million into the development of the Bay Street corridor, which also includes a new command center to oversee operations.
As the program commences, several independent transit agencies from cities including Denver, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and Greensboro have expressed interest in studying Jacksonville’s transit model to possibly replicate its success elsewhere. Future plans for NAVI include exploring possibilities to extend its operations onto the elevated Skyway and into surrounding neighborhoods, presenting further opportunities for public engagement.
The fleet of NAVI shuttles is equipped with cutting-edge technology, featuring 10 cameras, four lidar sensors, and seven radars that ensure comprehensive environmental awareness to enhance safety during passenger transport.
After the complimentary service period, the JTA plans to implement a fare of $1.75 per trip. The public acceptance and usage rates will be crucial for evaluating the overall success of the NAVI program as Jacksonville strives to transform its urban mobility landscape through autonomous vehicle technology.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jacksonville to Launch First Public Autonomous Vehicle Service
Jacksonville Transportation Authority Welcomes New Leader
Additional Resources
- News 4 JAX
- Wikipedia: Autonomous Vehicle
- Jacksonville.com
- Google Search: Autonomous vehicles Jacksonville
- First Coast News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile
- Action News JAX
- Google News: NAVI autonomous vehicle Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF 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.
