Jacksonville, Florida, January 23, 2026
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has launched the Mobility Visioning Plan 2050 (MVP 2050), a 25-year initiative designed to enhance transportation in Northeast Florida amid projected population growth. Key features include the Ultimate Urban Circulator, expanded autonomous vehicle services, the Emerald Trail, and transit enhancements, marking a commitment to sustainable and efficient mobility. Community engagement is integral to shaping the plan, ensuring it meets local needs.
Jacksonville Transportation Authority Unveils Mobility Visioning Plan 2050
Jacksonville, Florida – On January 22, 2026, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) introduced the Mobility Visioning Plan 2050 (MVP 2050) during its annual State of the Authority event. This 25-year strategic initiative aims to address the anticipated 20% population growth in Northeast Florida by 2050, projecting the region’s population to exceed 1.4 million residents. The plan focuses on enhancing mobility through innovative solutions, including rail systems, autonomous vehicles, and improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Key Components of MVP 2050
- Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C): Expansion of the existing Skyway system into an elevated roadway for autonomous shuttles, connecting downtown Jacksonville with surrounding neighborhoods such as Springfield, Brooklyn, Riverside, and San Marco.
- Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI): Extension of the NAVI service, which currently operates a 3.5-mile route along Bay Street, to other areas, including the Beaches, to provide free, on-demand autonomous shuttle services.
- Emerald Trail: Development of a 30-mile multi-use trail system connecting neighborhoods and green spaces, promoting sustainable transportation options.
- Countywide Transit Enhancements: Improvements to over 800 bus stops and transit services to enhance safety, accessibility, and efficiency across the city.
Collaborative Efforts and Community Engagement
The development of MVP 2050 is a collaborative effort between JTA and the City of Jacksonville, with support from the Florida Department of Transportation, the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (NFTPO), the JAX Chamber, Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA), JAXPORT, the Jacksonville Airport Authority, and over a dozen community partners and organizations. The plan includes a series of public meetings to gather input from residents and outline the proposed initiatives, ensuring that the community’s needs and preferences are considered in the planning process.
Background on JTA’s Recent Initiatives
In recent years, JTA has undertaken several initiatives to modernize and expand transportation options in Jacksonville:
- MobilityWorks 2.0: A $490 million program investing in infrastructure projects over 30 years, including corridor improvements, ferry service enhancements, and the development of the Emerald Trail.
- Autonomous Vehicle Integration: Launch of NAVI, the nation’s first public transportation autonomous vehicle revenue service, operating along a 3.5-mile route in downtown Jacksonville. The service began on June 30, 2025, and has been extended to offer free rides as of December 15, 2025, to encourage ridership and gather passenger feedback.
- Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C): Plans to transform the existing Skyway system into an elevated track for autonomous shuttles, with initial phases focusing on the Bay Street Innovation Corridor and potential future expansions to other areas of Jacksonville.
These initiatives reflect JTA’s commitment to creating a sustainable, efficient, and accessible transportation network that meets the evolving needs of Jacksonville’s growing population.
About the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is an independent state agency serving Jacksonville, Florida, and Northeast Florida with multi-modal responsibilities. JTA provides varied mass public transit services and builds roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to enhance mobility in Jacksonville. Public transportation services include BRT and regular bus service, Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI), paratransit, the St. Johns River Ferry, Skyway APM, and other mobility and on-demand services in Duval, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns counties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Mobility Visioning Plan 2050 (MVP 2050)?
MVP 2050 is a 25-year strategic initiative introduced by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) to address the anticipated 20% population growth in Northeast Florida by 2050, aiming to enhance mobility through innovative solutions such as rail systems, autonomous vehicles, and improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
What are the key components of MVP 2050?
The key components of MVP 2050 include the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C), expansion of the Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) service, development of the Emerald Trail, and countywide transit enhancements such as improvements to over 800 bus stops and transit services.
Who is involved in the development of MVP 2050?
The development of MVP 2050 is a collaborative effort between JTA and the City of Jacksonville, with support from the Florida Department of Transportation, the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (NFTPO), the JAX Chamber, Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA), JAXPORT, the Jacksonville Airport Authority, and over a dozen community partners and organizations.
What is the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C)?
The Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) is a project to transform the existing Skyway system into an elevated roadway for autonomous shuttles, connecting downtown Jacksonville with surrounding neighborhoods such as Springfield, Brooklyn, Riverside, and San Marco.
What is the Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) service?
NAVI is the nation’s first public transportation autonomous vehicle revenue service, operating along a 3.5-mile route in downtown Jacksonville. The service began on June 30, 2025, and has been extended to offer free rides as of December 15, 2025, to encourage ridership and gather passenger feedback.
Key Features of the Mobility Visioning Plan 2050
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) | Expansion of the existing Skyway system into an elevated roadway for autonomous shuttles, connecting downtown Jacksonville with surrounding neighborhoods. |
| Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) | Extension of the NAVI service to other areas, including the Beaches, providing free, on-demand autonomous shuttle services. |
| Emerald Trail | Development of a 30-mile multi-use trail system connecting neighborhoods and green spaces, promoting sustainable transportation options. |
| Countywide Transit Enhancements | Improvements to over 800 bus stops and transit services to enhance safety, accessibility, and efficiency across the city. |
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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.
