ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Transportation has funded the purchase of a new diesel hybrid-electric ferry to supplement the Jacksonville Transit Authority’s existing St. Johns River Ferry service.
Announced on Monday, the purchase of a second ferry aims to provide uninterrupted service to passengers during regularly scheduled maintenance.
Recommended Videos
The St. Johns River Ferry connects Ft. George Island and Mayport Village.
With currently only one ferry in the JTA’s fleet, service has to be suspended for several weeks annually while JTA carries out maintenance on the vessel.
Turning a five-minute ferry ride, into at least a 30-minute drive.
RELATED: Mayport Village businesses negatively affected by St. Johns River ferry maintenance repairs
Even with the interruptions, the St. Johns River Ferry has carried over 391,000 riders so far in 2024.
“This is another exciting grant win that is a result of our fantastic collaboration with the JTA, relationships we’ve built with the Biden-Harris Administration, and the dedicated work of the grant writing teams,” said Mayor Donna Deegan in a press release. “The new hybrid-fuel ferry vessel will increase connectivity, sustainability, and economic competitiveness for the historic communities of Mayport Village and Fort George.”