Jacksonville’s premium paratransit service, Connexion Plus, will continue operating for now, with higher fares and an increased portion of costs covered by taxpayers. The change maintains service for riders while highlighting ongoing budget considerations for the City Council and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
What JTA is proposing
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) plans a six-month Fare Modification Pilot to keep Connexion Plus operating under a revised fare structure: $10 for the first eight miles and $3.50 per additional mile, with a 40-trip monthly cap. JTA reports that the average Connexion Plus ride is eight miles and expects 96% of current riders to stay within the cap. The agency also says it will continue covering roughly 75% of the cost of the average trip while monitoring ridership and gathering feedback throughout the pilot.
Lawmakers and riders push back
City Councilman Jimmy Peluso has said he may push to withhold JTA funding if the fare changes move forward. Riders at public meetings have reported that higher costs could affect their jobs or limit essential trips. The response has made the fare adjustment an early test of political pressure on the transit authority, according to News4Jax.
Riders say the math doesn't add up
Local advocates and service providers have said the revised fare structure could have the greatest impact on frequent riders and special-needs programs. Some riders currently pay $6 for trips up to 15 miles and are concerned that the higher base fare and increased per-mile rate could make routine travel less affordable. Reports also note ongoing issues with on-time performance and that Connexion Plus is operated by a third-party vendor, which limits JTA’s ability to control costs.
Legal and budget stakes
Peluso’s potential move to withhold city funding has increased pressure on JTA, turning the fare changes into a policy and political issue. JTA officials have said the councilman had not raised his concerns directly with agency staff. The situation sets the stage for a potential budget discussion as the agency releases its numbers and options in the coming weeks.
Numbers show a widening gap
JTA budgeted approximately $2.4 million for Connexion Plus this year, below the authority’s projected costs. The program cost around $2.8 million in fiscal 2022 and increased to $6.3 million in 2025, with projections now exceeding $8 million for 2026. Agency leaders say the pilot program is intended to reduce that gap while maintaining service for most riders.
What's next
The JTA board voted to delay the Connexion Plus fare changes until April 1 while a subcommittee studies ridership patterns, partnerships, and fare impacts, the agency said in a press release. Board Secretary Max Glober will chair the subcommittee, and CEO Nat Ford said staff will monitor the six-month pilot before determining whether to maintain the program or implement further changes.
Connexion Plus will continue operating for now, but the pilot’s higher fares and trip caps leave the program’s long-term future uncertain. Riders, advocates, and City Council members will monitor the subcommittee’s review to assess options for maintaining service while managing costs.
