The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) Board of Directors and the Jacksonville City Council approved an agreement to transfer ownership of the St. Johns River Ferry from the St. Johns River Ferry Commission to the JTA. As part of the agreement, the JTA will own and operate the ferry. JTA will work to enhance the ferry with potential options such as mobile ticketing and enriching the experience by building upon the relationship with the National Park Service.
“It is a great day for the JTA and the St. Johns River Ferry,” said JTA Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. “JTA is excited to utilize its transportation expertise to make the ferry an important part of a world class regional transportation system. The St. Johns River Ferry is an iconic landmark in Northeast Florida. The ferry also has a significant economic impact and improves the quality of life in this community. JTA is pleased to be able to ensure it remains an integral part of the East Coast Greenway and the National Park Service.”
The St. Johns River Ferry is a car and passenger ferry that connects the north and south ends of Florida State Road A1A with daily service between Mayport Village and Ft. George Island across the St. Johns River. It runs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. The 0.9 mile voyage crosses the St. Johns River 2.5 miles inland of the river’s mouth and departs every half hour.
JTA will host a transition celebration event on Saturday, April 16 from noon to 5 p.m. in Mayport. The day will open with an official transfer ceremony. The event is complimentary and the public is invited to attend. Family fun for all will be available. Food trucks, music and games for young and old will be available throughout the event. In addition, the ferry will provide complimentary rides all day.
