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35 years of service, the existing system is operating with aging prototype vehicles, limited parts availability, and outdated software, making long-term maintenance and reliability increasingly challenging.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
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
Fewest Potential Construction Impacts
Because no construction or system upgrades are introduced, this alternative results in few impacts to the community, environment, and traffic.
Track and Vehicles Nearing End of Life
The Skyway’s guideway infrastructure is now 35 years old, and the original fleet of ten vehicles has been reduced to only two operable units. These remaining vehicles have an estimated service life of just one more year. Based on current conditions, the Skyway will not be able to remain operational through the end of its intended service life.
Federal Funding Requirement
Functional obsolescence that forces the Skyway to cease operations would trigger repayment obligations to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This outcome could also jeopardize the region’s eligibility for future federal funding.
Limited Connectivity
The system would continue operating only from end of line. Riders would still need to transfer to autonomous vehicles (AVs) or other modes to travel within downtown and nearby neighborhoods.
Ongoing Repairs Still Needed
Even without vehicle upgrades, the existing elevated structure will continue to require repairs to stay safe and functional.