JTA Shifting to Saturday Bus Schedule on Weekdays, Riders Face Longer Waits Starting Nov. 2

Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) riders will soon experience longer wait times on many weekday bus routes as the agency prepares to shift to a Saturday schedule. Interim JTA CEO Cleveland Ferguson attributes these changes to ongoing financial problems and necessary cost-cutting measures.

The new schedule, expected to begin on November 2, will impact daily commutes for many residents. For example, Route 14 for Normandy Boulevard, which currently runs every 30 minutes Monday through Friday, will change to every 50 minutes under the new plan. This nearly doubles the wait time for riders on this route.

JTA has already implemented cuts across the agency, affecting employees, executives, Navi, and the Skyway. Ferguson stated that staffing cuts, including bus operators, maintenance technicians, and utility workers, are also part of the financial strain.

Routes with high ridership will maintain more frequent service. The First Coast Flyer will continue running every 20 minutes. Routes serving North Main Street, Moncrief, the Beaches, Town Center, Atlantic Boulevard, and Arlington will still come every 30 minutes. However, twelve other routes will operate hourly under the revised schedule.

The changes aim to address JTA's financial challenges, but riders will feel the impact through reduced weekday frequency. The new schedule takes effect on November 2.