Study Update

Since the Round 1 Public Survey was conducted, the project team has reviewed stakeholder feedback and continued technical evaluations of potential future transit options for the Skyway corridor. As a result, Alternative 6: Street-Level Streetcar has been added to the alternatives under consideration and is being presented alongside the previously evaluated alternatives.

U²C Phase II PD&E Study Proposed Alternatives Informational Video

The video below provides an overview of the alternatives being evaluated as part of the U²C Phase II Skyway Rehabilitation and Downtown Expansion Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. The presentation explains the alternatives, why they are being considered, and how they could shape the future of transit and mobility in Downtown Jacksonville.

After watching the presentation, please take a few minutes to review the alternatives below and complete the survey on Page 2. Your feedback is important and will help inform the evaluation of the alternatives and identification of a Preferred Alternative.

Alternatives Under Consideration

No Build: Maintain the Current Skyway System

The No Build option keeps the Skyway system operating as it does today with the last two remaining vehicles. The existing track, vehicles, and automated train control system remain in use with required track repairs to maintain basic service for as long as possible.

Key Considerations:

• Continues current operations with minimal disruption
• System nearing end of life
• Ongoing repairs required
• Initial capital cost estimate: $15 million

Alternative 1: Rehabilitate Existing Vehicles and Maintain the Skyway

Alternative 1 keeps the Skyway system operating as it does today with a rehabilitated vehicle fleet of up to 10 cars. The existing track remains in use with a new automated train control system. Repairs will be made to the existing track to maintain current service. This investment improves system efficiency and overall passenger experience.

Key Considerations:

• Headways up to 10 minutes or better
• 2-3 years of construction
• Provides limited connectivity or support for future growth
• Initial capital cost estimate: $276 million

Alternative 2: New Automated People Move (APM) Trains on the Skyway

Alternative 2 replaces the current Skyway system with a new fleet of APM trains comparable to those deployed at U.S. airports. This alternative represents a full system modernization with new trains on the existing Skyway infrastructure, plus a new Brooklyn Station. It improves rider experience by providing a reliable, modern system.

Key Considerations:

• Headways up to 10 minutes or better
• 3-4 years of construction
• Provides additional connectivity with limited support for future growth
• Initial capital cost estimate: $428 million

Alternative 3: Convert the Guideway and System to Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)

Alternative 3 converts the Skyway guideway to a dedicated roadway for current and future AVs. New ramp connections will be provided to existing streets at Rosa Parks, Kings Avenue, and Leila Street in the Brooklyn area to allow AVs to travel beyond the downtown urban core.

Key Considerations:

• Headways up to 5 minutes or better
• 3-4 years of construction
• Expands neighborhood connectivity
• Initial capital cost estimate: $294 million

Alternative 4: Remove Skyway Structure and Operate Autonomous Vehicles on Existing Streets

Alternative 4 removes the existing elevated Skyway and stations entirely, and 17 street-level stops will be constructed. AVs operate on existing downtown streets, converting service entirely to the roadway network. Key intersections along the corridor will be upgraded to incorporate transit signal priority.

Key Considerations:

• Headways up to 5 minutes or better
• Use of dedicated lanes where feasible
• Deployment of AVs independent of construction
• 2-3 years of construction
• Provides flexibility for future growth
• Initial capital cost estimate: $152 million

Alternative 5: Repurpose Skyway as a Multi-Use Trail and Operate Autonomous Vehicles on Existing Streets

Alternative 5 repurposes the Skyway guideway into a 10-foot multi-use path that connects directly with the Emerald Trail network.

This alternative utilizes an AV fleet with 17 street-level stops operating on downtown streets. Key intersections will be upgraded to incorporate transit signal priority. 

Key Considerations:

• Headways up to 5 minutes or better
• Use of dedicated lanes where feasible 
• Deployment of AVs independent of construction
• 2-3 years of construction
• Provides flexibility for future growth and opportunities for community programming
• Initial capital cost estimate: $260 million

Alternative 6: Remove the Skyway Structure and Operate Streetcar on Existing Streets

Alternative 6 replaces the Skyway system with a streetcar system at street level with 12 stations. The vehicle fleet consists of up to 12 streetcars. Key intersections will be upgraded to incorporate transit signal priority. This option supports transit-oriented development opportunities.

Key Considerations:

• Headways up to 10 minutes or better
• 4 years of construction
• Provides flexibility for growth
• Initial capital cost estimate: $565 million

Before Ranking the Alternatives

Understanding Project Costs

The alternatives under consideration vary in the amount of initial investment required to implement the project and the costs associated with operating and maintaining the system over time.

When comparing alternatives, JTA is evaluating:

• Initial (Planning) Capital Cost (CapEx)
• Annual Operations & Maintenance Cost (OpEx)
• Future rehabilitation and replacement needs
• Overall lifecycle cost

The figures below are planning-level estimates and will continue to be refined as the study advances.

You've Reviewed all Alternatives

Thank you for taking the time to review the alternatives under consideration for the future of the Skyway. 

The following questions will help JTA understand public preferences and priorities as alternatives continue to be evaluated through the U2C Phase II PD&E Study.

Before You Continue

The alternatives presented in this survey vary in:

• Transit technology
• Connectivity
• Cost
• Construction requirements
• Future expansion opportunities

There are no right or wrong answers.

We are interested in understanding what matters most to you.

Continue to survey questions: