The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is gearing up to launch the First Coast Flyer bus rapid transit Green Line on Dec. 7. The Green Line will operate between Rosa Parks Transit Station and Interstate 295 along Lem Turner with stops at major destinations to include FSCJ, VA Clinic, UF Health and Gateway Town Center. The Flyer will connect customers to jobs, education, healthcare and more with features as unique at the region it serves. A mobile ticketing application (mobile app) called MyJTA will also launch on December 7 with the new service.
The 9.4 mile Green Line on the North Corridor will feature direct, high-frequency service; 18 branded stations; complimentary Wi-Fi, a Park-n-Ride lot and real time bus arrival information. It will take customers longer distances more quickly, make fewer stops and offer 10-minute frequency during weekday peak hours and 15-minute frequency in weekday off peak hours. The $33.2 million project is funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the JTA.
“The First Coast Flyer will have a direct and positive impact on the quality of life for our customers,” said JTA Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. “Our community deserves a world class transportation system. The Flyer is the latest initiative in the process of transforming transportation in Northeast Florida.
The Green Line replaces Route 2 (Lem Turner). In addition, December service changes include the launch of Route 21 serving parts of 44th, Pearl, Golfair, 21st, Boulevard and Jefferson streets; a modification of Route 12; and minor changes to Routes 7, 14, 15, 19, 203 and 301.
The First Coast Flyer is planned in five-phases and serves as the backbone to the regional transit system. When completed in 2019, the Flyer system will cover 57 miles of destination travel, and will be the largest bus rapid transit system of its kind in the Southeast. The branded compressed natural gas (CNG) buses serving this corridor have a sleek, aerodynamic design that incorporates a raised, raked-back front cap blended into a full length, contoured roofline. Its modern profile makes a distinguished statement. The flying fish embodies the “Flyer” part of the name. Like the flying fish, the vehicles in the First Coast Flyer system will move smoothly along, gliding to their destinations.