JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Transportation Authority announced plans to distribute bus passes for its new card system Wednesday through Friday, but the turnout was so great Thursday, it started taking appointments for next week.
The number of JTA riders at the downtown library was overwhelming for some.
"This is totally disorganized," said Karen Deader, a senior who rides the bus for free, as she was shuffled into the library to get a new pass. "They should have planned this better. They should know right from the beginning they should have had people going to the senior centers."
The new STAR card, which stands for "simply tap and ride," gives seniors ages 60 and up free rides. People with disabilities and on welfare get discounts.
JTA is distributing the cards at no charge through February to seniors, reduced fair and regular fare riders.
"We want to ride the bus and we want to be able to get on the bus because it's cheaper," senior Linda Nickerson said.
"That's the only way I have to get around," one rider said.
JTA opened up a second location at its office to relieve some of the stress on the card disbursements. Seniors and reduced fair riders need those personalized cards so they can be encoded as free or for reduced fair.
JTA is all booked up for Thursday and Friday, so those wanting to get a card will have to make an appointment.
JTA expected 500 riders to turn up for the first day of the event.
"We had an overwhelming response when the doors opened, so we had about 1,500 people show up right away," said Shannon Eller, JTA government and public relations officer.
The new cards with picture IDs built in are intended to streamline the boarding process. JTA said it will still accept cash, but this new system should make it easier for riders who don't want to use cash.
The new system is coming from a federal grant of about $4 million. The system will take effect at the end of the month.