News Summary

Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) will launch a new express route called the Red Line Xpress, aimed at improving public transportation. Starting September 8, this route will connect Downtown Jacksonville to Jacksonville Beach, reducing travel times significantly. Additionally, JTA will update several existing bus schedules. The new express service is part of efforts to enhance connectivity for commuters and features the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center as a key hub for these services.

Jacksonville Transportation Authority Launches New Express Route and Updates Existing Bus Services Starting September 8

Jacksonville is set to see significant improvements in public transportation as the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) introduces a new express route and updates existing bus services beginning on Monday, September 8. The new service aims to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times for commuters traveling between Downtown Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach.

The Red Line Xpress (Route 205) will serve as a pilot route that facilitates quicker travel, allowing passengers to reach their destinations up to 20 minutes faster than existing bus services. It will connect key locations such as the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center (JRTC) in LaVilla, Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) South Campus, and Jacksonville Beach. The express route will operate Monday through Friday during peak morning and afternoon hours, with an expected travel time of 50 to 55 minutes between Downtown and the Beaches, and approximately 30 minutes from FSCJ South Campus to Downtown.

JTA has expressed that this new express service provides a crucial link between two of Jacksonville’s busiest hubs, enhancing daily commutes and making public transportation more efficient for residents and visitors alike.

Adjustments to Existing Routes

In addition to the launch of the new express route, the JTA will be making schedule adjustments to several of its existing bus routes. The changes will affect weekday routes 102, 105, 107, and 109, as well as Saturday routes 11, 14, and 102. Sunday adjustments will include routes 11 and 14. Passengers are encouraged to check the updated schedules and route maps available on JTA’s website, jtafla.com.

Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center (JRTC)

The JRTC is now recognized as the main downtown bus transfer facility, replacing the Rosa Parks Transit Station. Located at 100 LaVilla Center Drive, near the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, the JRTC is designed to accommodate most JTA regular and express bus routes, the Skyway, and the First Coast Flyer Bus Rapid Transit network. The facility boasts numerous amenities including indoor and outdoor waiting areas, restrooms, ticketing options, and interactive kiosks.

To ensure passenger safety and support, the JRTC is equipped with 24-hour security, featuring both armed and unarmed personnel, alongside officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). The facility also features 21 bus bays, staging areas, kiss-n-ride spaces, and designated drop-off zones for paratransit services and rideshare options.

While the Rosa Parks Transit Station will continue to serve bus routes 10, 19, 86, and the First Coast Flyer Red Line (109), its east half has been closed for upcoming transit-oriented development projects.

Upcoming Services

In addition to the express route launching in September, a new bus route named St. Johns Express Select is scheduled to commence on December 3. This route will connect St. Johns County to downtown Jacksonville, starting from the St. Johns County Government Center, stopping at Pavilion at Durbin Park before reaching Downtown. Operating hours for the St. Johns Express Select will be from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, with fare options including one-way passes for $3, one-day passes for $5, and 31-day passes priced at $90.

Another express route will be managed by JTA for Nassau County, which will also begin on December 3. This service will run fixed schedules from Yulee to the Rosa Parks Bus Terminal. JTA is set to hold a public hearing on August 23 to gather input from the community regarding the new service details. Meanwhile, the Nassau County Council on Aging will continue to operate NassauTRANSIT bus services, with trips to Hilliard and Callahan remaining unchanged when the new Yulee commuter service starts.

For real-time bus schedules, passengers can utilize the Nexbus mobile app, Google Transit, or visit the JTA website.

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Additional Resources

• WOKV: JTA Launches Red Line Xpress Route Updates
• Wikipedia: Public Transport
• St. Augustine: JTA Provides Bus Route to St. Johns County
• Google Search: Jacksonville Transportation Authority
• The Jaxson Mag: Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center Now Open
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bus Transit
• Action News Jax: JTA to Provide Express Bus from St. Augustine to Downtown Jacksonville
• Google News: Jacksonville Bus Service

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

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