JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Riders in Jacksonville’s Brooklyn area have a new travel option when making a lunch stop.
The Jacksonville Transit Authority launched an autonomous vehicle route on Aug. 27 along Riverside Avenue.
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The Brooklyn AV Circulator will operate along Riverside Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
JTA said an onboard JTA attendant will be on the shuttle.
The pilot program is scheduled to run through Oct. 25. The program includes the EV Star multi-utility zero-emissions vehicle, which features 14 seats and two wheelchair locking points according to JTA.
The shuttle will provide access to the following restaurants:
- Panera Bread, 10 Riverside Ave.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill, 50 Riverside Ave.
- Burrito Gallery, 90 Riverside Ave., No. 601
- Vale Food Co., 90 Riverside Ave., No. 603
- BurgerFi, 108 Riverside Ave., No. 101
- First Watch, 192 Riverside Ave
- The Fresh Market, 150 Riverside Ave., No. 200
- Plenti, 200 Riverside Ave., No. 1
- The Greenhouse, 200 Riverside Ave., No. 2
- Anejo Cocina Mexicana, 200 Riverside Ave., No. 183
- Arepa Please, 474 Riverside Ave.
- Boost Smoothie, 501 Riverside Ave., No. 107
- Tossgreen, 501 Riverside Ave., No. 107.
The Vista Brooklyn apartments is also included in the list.
While not the same vehicle planned for the Summer 2025 launch, JTA said this test offers the community an opportunity to experience and become familiar with AV technology.
The pilot is part of JTA’s ongoing AV testing leading up to the launch of the U2C, a comprehensive program to modernize and expand the Skyway and introduce autonomous vehicles (AVs) into JTA’s transportation system. JTA said by transforming the current Skyway, extending the reach within the urban core through the Bay Street Innovation Corridor and expanding beyond into adjacent neighborhoods, U2C supports the vision of a vibrant, revitalized and better-connected Downtown Jacksonville.
JTA partnered with AV manufacturer Beep in February to launch a seven-month automated vehicle shuttle program at Florida State at Jacksonville Downtown Campus.
To learn more about U2C, visit u2c.jtafla.com.