U²C Phase II PD&E – Skyway Rehabilitation & Downtown Service Expansion
U²C Phase II PD&E – Skyway Rehabilitation & Downtown Service Expansion
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study to evaluate options for rehabilitating and modernizing the Skyway as part of the U2C program. After more than 35 years of service, the existing system is operating with aging prototype vehicles, limited parts availability, and outdated software, making long-term maintenance and reliability increasingly challenging.
This study will assess potential alternatives for the future of the Skyway, including the benefits, tradeoffs, community impacts, and projected costs of each option. The goal is to identify a preferred alternative that will be presented to the JTA Board of Directors for final consideration.
Public engagement is a critical part of this process. Community feedback will be gathered and incorporated throughout the study to help shape the future of downtown mobility. We encourage you to review the upcoming public meeting opportunities listed on this page and attend the session most convenient for you. Additional meetings will be held as the study progresses.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below. Your input will help guide decision-making as the JTA works to deliver a safe, reliable, and modern transportation system for our community.
Please note that you must answer each question to advance to the next alternative tab. After answering the questions, select the continue button.
No Build
Description
The “No Build” scenario is the baseline used to compare to all alternatives under study.
The No Build keeps the Skyway system operating as it does today with the last two remaining vehicles. The existing track, vehicles, and automated train control system would remain in use as long as feasible. Required track repairs would be made to maintain basic service for as long as possible.
Considerations
Minimal Potential Impacts
Construction is limited to required structural repairs, replacement of the automated train control system and retrofitting and testing existing vehicles. This alternative results in minimal impacts to the community, environment, and traffic.
Rehabbing Vehicles May Be Difficult
The current fleet is diminished with only two working trains out of the original ten. Finding a manufacturer willing and capable of retrofitting a 30+ year old vehicle may prove to be challenging. Completing a feasibility condition assessment will be necessary.
Federal Funding Requirement
Skyway service must continue for the full-service life to avoid potential repayment to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), which could also affect future funding opportunities.
Limited Connectivity
The system would continue operating only from station to station to the existing end of line. Customers would still need to transfer to autonomous vehicles (AVs) or other modes to travel within downtown and nearby neighborhoods.
OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETINGS
February 25, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jacksonville Transportation Authority - Board Room
100 LaVilla Center Drive
February 25, 5-7 p.m.
Jacksonville Marriott Downtown - Duval Ballroom
245 Water Street
March 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
Conference Center at the Main Library
303 N. Laura St. (enter on Main St.)
March 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
FSCJ Advanced Technology Center – Room T140
401 West State Street
March 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
Doubletree Jacksonville Riverfront
1201 Riverplace Blvd.
RESOURCES
Meeting Handout
Frequently Asked Questions