JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday to celebrate the launch of the nation’s first public driverless transportation service, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority said people can begin accessing the service on Monday.
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Mayor Donna Deegan, center, is flanked by JTA CEO Nat Ford, left, as well as City Council members and JTA leadership to mark the opening of the Bay Street Innovation Corridor on June 30. The ribbon cutting was held at VyStar Ballpark on June 27. (Jacksonville Daily Record)
The Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation, otherwise known as NAVI, will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. along the 3.5-mile Bay Street Innovation Corridor, which spans from Pearl Street to EverBank Stadium.
“The vehicles will stop at 12 designated stations, improving connectivity to attractions like the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, the Jacksonville Naval Museum, The Florida Theatre, sports venues, hotels, and more than 35 dining outlets,” JTA said.
The NAVI route map shows riders all of the destinations that are walking distance from the 12 rider kiosks. (Jacksonville Transportation Authority)
The service will be complimentary for all riders through September 30.
Additionally, the Jacksonville Daily Record reports that while a computer will be navigating, a JTA employee will be aboard the vans to take control if an issue arises with one of the vehicles.
“As NAVI begins operations, passenger feedback is essential,” the JTA added. “Riders are encouraged to complete a brief survey following their ride, which will inform updates and service enhancements as the JTA and its partners continue to refine and expand this groundbreaking mobility solution.”
NAVI is part of JTA’s Ultimate Urban Circulator system, a 10-year plan that will modernize public transportation around the expanded Downtown area that will include Springfield, Riverside and San Marco, the JDR reports.
It is the nation’s first permanent public autonomous vehicle service, as other driverless ride services, like Tesla’s Robotaxi and Google’s Waymo, are private enterprises.
“Shared mobility will help solve transportation challenges and build communities by maximizing independence and improving accessibility,” said JTA CEO Nat Ford. “Today, we are putting another stake in the ground that makes Jacksonville a great city and leader in North America.”
According to the transportation agency, the NAVI service will initially use a customized fleet of 14 electric Ford e-Transit vehicles integrated with an automated driving system (ADS).
The vehicles will seat up to 9 passengers with ADA capability.
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