JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) announced upcoming changes to more than 100 bus stops in Northwest Jacksonville to improve the experience for riders in underserved areas.
Locations to get the upgrades haven’t been decided yet. However, News4JAX learned that 17 key stops on Soutel Drive will get them.
Some of those upgrades include things like improved shelters or lighting. But before those upgrades come, 60 bus pads — where the stop is located — have to be brought up to ADA compliance.
On Friday, JTA CEO Nathaniel Ford announced that 111 bus stops in Northwest Jacksonville will be getting an upgrade.
In addition to possibly getting shelter or lighting at the stop, some could get bike racks, electronic messaging systems, and benches. There’s also a chance they could get some artwork.
RELATED: JTA bus drivers, mechanics put skills to the test at annual ‘roadeo’ | ‘It’s the future, and it’s here’: JTA debuts first autonomous vehicle on FSCJ’s downtown campus
The reason behind this project is to embrace an underserved community.
News4JAX spoke with Vanessa Douglas, a woman who’s been riding the bus in Jacksonville since birth and lives in the area that will be getting the upgrades.
“So, like the weather, when it’s raining we need better shelter because we’re still getting wet. Maybe a little better when we’re waiting at the bus stop,” Douglas said.
William Jayce, with JTA, said they look at several factors to choose which bus stop will get an upgrade.
“One of the main ones is their proximity to schools, you heard Mr. Ford talk about that, and hospital care and things of that nature,” Williams said.
JTA said another thing that will help them decide which location gets an upgrade is the community’s input.
Officials said they’re going to hold sessions with people in Northwest Jacksonville to see what their needs are and consider that. Those dates haven’t been decided yet.
JTA said it is hoping to have some of those bus stops completed before the end of the year.