Transportation is a key factor for business executives when looking for communities to expand or relocate a company. Businesses need to know that their employees can get to work if they don’t drive or if they have issues with their vehicle. Manufacturers want to ensure distribution channels flow smoothly. Entertainment venues need assurance there is easy and adequate access for major event attendance. Accessibility to jobs through a solid transportation infrastructure is key not only to Jacksonville’s economic viability, but any community.
From the onset, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has played a pivotal role in Jacksonville’s growth and economic development by providing critical service to thousands of public transit dependent residents in Florida’s largest city by population. With a total of 874 square miles, Jacksonville has the distinction of being the largest city by land mass in the U.S.
“It is great news that our transportation system is the recipient of the 2016 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award,” says Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. “This national recognition demonstrates the innovative and high quality services JTA commits to citizens and business practices.”
Considered the most distinguished of all honors to be given to a public transportation system at APTA’s national convention, the award is bestowed on public transportation systems that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the last three years. JTA won in the midsize category, for systems providing more than 4 million but fewer than 20 million annual passenger trips.
JTA was judged on safety, operations, maintenance, access, customer service, financial management, sustainability, workforce development, attendance and employee costs, minority and women advancement, marketing, and community relations. JTA was also judged on quantitative measures including riders per hour and total passenger miles.
“Congratulations to all the employees of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), the JTA board, and all the people of Jacksonville,” says APTA Chair Valarie J. McCall. “Working together creates success. Winning the prestigious Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award means that there is a great team in Jacksonville.”
For additional information, please contact the JTA’s customer service line at (904) 630-3100; TDD (904) 630-3191 or visit www.jtafla.com.