JTA to Lay Off Nearly 200 Employees, Slash Bus Routes and Skyway Service Amid $39 Million Budget Gap

JTA announces nearly 200 layoffs, major service cuts as agency works to close $39 million budget gap

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) will lay off nearly 200 employees and significantly cut services to address a $39 million budget gap. These changes will directly impact how residents travel across Jacksonville, with major reductions to bus routes and the complete cessation of Skyway operations.

Starting November 2, most JTA bus routes will operate with reduced hours or service. On the same day, the Skyway will stop carrying passengers. The NAVI shuttle service is also scheduled to cease operations on January 1.

JTA Leadership Addresses Financial Crisis

Interim CEO Cleveland Ferguson stated that these cuts are not a long-term solution. “Cutting is never a long-term solution. We have to structurally change the way in which we budget, and that’s what we’ve done over the last couple of months,” Ferguson said. The agency plans to achieve nearly $25 million of its planned savings by cutting contractual services.

The layoffs affect both administrative and operational employees. JTA began administrative cuts in December, when 14 employees were let go. Another 34 employees were cut in February. In the latest round, 44 administrative employees are expected to be laid off, with as many as 150 additional operations employees potentially affected.

Past Financial Mismanagement and Future Outlook

These drastic measures follow years of financial instability for the transportation authority. JTA previously faced a reported deficit, millions of dollars in delinquent bills, and at one point had only 59 days of cash on hand. The current structural changes aim to prevent future financial crises.

Residents should plan for significant changes to their daily commutes and transportation options in the coming months. Further details on specific route changes and schedules will become available as the November 2 implementation date approaches.