The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has begun testing autonomous electric vans along Bay Street in Downtown Jacksonville as the first phase of its Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) project. The Ford e-Transit van, equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and navigation systems, operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a 3.2-mile stretch between LaVilla and EverBank Stadium.
Key Features of U2C System
The U2C vehicles utilize laser, sonar, and radar guidance to navigate through traffic, pedestrians, and stoplights. The vans are equipped with lifts for riders with disabilities and will be monitored from the Autonomous Innovation Center under construction at 650 W. Bay St.
Implementation Phases
- Phase 1: Initial rollout with 14 autonomous vans starting in June, costing $65 million
- Phase 2: Conversion of existing 2.5-mile Skyway system into elevated roadway for autonomous vehicles
- Phase 3: Expansion to Brooklyn and Riverside areas on surface streets
The total estimated cost for all phases could reach $400 million. The project’s first phase is funded through various sources including a $12.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and $22.5 million from JTA.
The Autonomous Innovation Center, set to open on April 17, will serve as the monitoring hub for the U2C system. The center will feature a rooftop solar microgrid to power the system and recharge vehicles.
