12/7/2015
Contact: Steven Taubenkibel
202-366-0431

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced the award of approximately $19.1 million in federal Small Starts Capital Investment Grant program funds for the Jacksonville Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Southeast Corridor Project which will provide more frequent and faster bus service to attract new riders and provide a needed transportation option in a heavily transit-dependent region.

“When completed, Jacksonville’s Southeast Corridor BRT will guarantee residents access to convenient, reliable, and efficient transportation options, which can increase access to economic opportunity,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx.

The 11.1-mile Southeast Corridor line is the third segment of a five-phased First Coast Flyer BRT system planned for the Jacksonville area. The project will connect to the first BRT line in downtown Jacksonville, which opens today, and provide enhanced access to southeast corridor employment centers, schools, St. Luke’s Hospital, retail destinations and recreational activities.

“By expanding its BRT system, Jacksonville is building its transit future for a fast growing population and making a smart investment to support local and regional economic development,” said FTA Acting Administrator Therese McMillan. “The Southeast Corridor project also will make a huge difference for the majority of local residents along the corridor who do not have access to automobiles and rely heavily on public transportation to get to work, school, medical care and other vital services.”

The FTA is contributing 80 percent of the $23.8 million total cost of the Southeast Corridor project. The remaining project costs are being covered by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA).

The Southeast Corridor project will have five stations, transit signal priority, real-time passenger information, and off-board fare collection. It also will include the construction of a park-and-ride lot and the procurement of ten energy efficient low-floor compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.

The JTA is also seeking Capital Investment Grant program funds for two additional BRT segments— the 18.5-mile East Corridor, and the 12.9-mile Southwest Corridor projects. JTA estimates that the entire BRT system will cover 57 miles and cost approximately $134.1 million.