Jacksonville Skyway modernization planning now in motion

It will be a busy year ahead for the future of the Jacksonville Skyway.

The specially created Jacksonville Transportation Authority Skyway Subcommittee has come forward with its final recommendations for the system, and that was adopted by the JTA Board of Directors today. The resolution supports the continued operation of the Skyway, modernization of the system by replacing the vehicles, and exploring options to potentially build on the system.

“Rather than look at all of its ills, let’s look at how we can build upon it and develop it and make it a positive,” says JTA CEO Nat Ford.

Under the resolution, JTA staff will now develop a four-pronged Skyway Modernization Program, which will be finalized by next December.

First, is a “Financial Plan”, which will identify funding needs for modernization, operation and maintenance, as well as for potential expansion.

“We really don’t know how much it’s going to cost, but we know that the modernization is going to have to take place,” says Subcommittee Chair Isaiah Rumlin.

A memo dealing with the subcommittee recommendation says the preliminary estimate to replace the vehicles and modernize the infrastructure and operating system is $74 million, but that doesn’t include possible expansion. Ford says they hope to find City, State, and Federal government partners and will also look to tap the public sector, but no option is off the table.

“If it’s expanded and it’s going in the right places, I don’t think there’s a problem with us charging fares on it, but we’ve got to get it to the point that it’s a viable part of Downtown transportation needs,” Ford says.

The second part, a “System Plan”, will figure out the “optimal downtown circulator system” to connect existing and emerging Downtown locations. An East-West corridor from Riverside to the Stadium/Shipyards and from San Marco to the Southbank, will be part of that study.

A “Capital Plan” will look at “innovative technologies” which can be used to replace the existing vehicles while upgrading the operating system and infrastructure.

“Anytime you have that much concrete, that type of infrastructure, you’ve got to take care of it,” Rumlin says.

Finally, staff will develop an “Operating Plan” for both existing and the possibly expanded system. This review includes service hours with possible expansion on the weekend and evenings, frequency of service, and the required fleet. A concern relating to expanded service is not wanting to put too much wear and tear on the current vehicles given the current capital needs.

The current vehicles are the primary obstacle for the future of the Skyway right now, according to the report. The Subcommittee has found that many parts and service needs are either obsolete or specialized and, therefore, difficult to procure in a timely manner. Until the vehicles are modernized to allow for easier repairs, the Board wants to be careful with how much the current vehicles are used. According to the memo, four of the ten current Skyway vehicles are not in operation because of these types of issues.

1,619 people responded to the public survey on the future of the Skyway. 80% of them support replacing Skyway vehicles and expanding the system.  Ford says they’ve got to not just seize that support, but the overall public momentum in and around Downtown Jacksonville right now.

“Downtown is growing, a lot of development in Downtown, and the Skyway could be a very integral part of that success,” he says.

Ford says there has been a lot of posturing and speculation about the future of the Skyway, so this vote is an integral part in establishing the system’s future.

The Subcommittee had several public meetings over the last few months, and received input from a special formed Advisory Committee as well. The JTA says the Skyway currently supports 5,000 trips each day.