Jacksonville Unveils Nation’s First Autonomous Transit Service

Jacksonville has launched the nation’s first autonomous vehicle service integrated into a public transportation system, marking a major step toward next-generation mobility in the city’s downtown corridor. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The new NAVI initiative began operations on June 30, covering a 3.5-mile route known as the Bay Street Innovation Corridor, connecting Pearl Street and EverBank Stadium.

Don’t miss…Freight transportation begins on East West Rail line

Service runs Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., linking key neighborhoods with Jacksonville’s business and entertainment zones. Riders can access venues like the Florida Theatre and over 35 restaurants.

JTA CEO Nat Ford called the launch “a defining moment in U.S. transit.” NAVI is America’s first autonomous vehicle program offering fare-generating rides within a public transit network.

To improve operations, JTA asks passengers to complete quick surveys after each ride. Their feedback helps refine the service based on real-world experience and rider needs.

NAVI will remain fare-free through September 30 to lower access barriers and maximize public input. The service encourages community participation during its early rollout.

The system currently operates 14 electric Ford e-Transit vans with Oxa’s automated driving system. Each van holds up to nine passengers and includes ADA-accessible features.

All vehicles meet federal safety standards and comply with Buy America requirements. This ensures both quality and national investment.

Jacksonville plans to expand the fleet by adding HOLON autonomous shuttles by 2027. HOLON’s upcoming facility in the city is expected to create jobs and strengthen Jacksonville’s innovation profile.

Jacksonville’s NAVI Service Supports Inclusive Urban Mobility

NAVI is the first phase of JTA’s broader Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) plan. The long-term goal is to convert the city’s aging Skyway into an elevated AV-exclusive transit corridor.

This future network will link downtown Jacksonville with neighborhoods like Riverside, Brooklyn, Springfield, and San Marco, closing gaps in healthcare, education, and job access.

Jacksonville Collaboration Drives AV Innovation Nationwide

The project was developed with the Vision 2 Reality team, including Balfour Beatty, Beep, Urban SDK, and Miller Electric. Their partnership helped deliver a scalable model for other U.S. cities.

Beep CEO Joe Moye praised Jacksonville’s leadership. He said the NAVI launch shows how AV transit can evolve and scale across urban regions nationwide.

Source: www.metro-magazine.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: