JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is laying off nearly 200 employees and cutting back service as it works to close a $39 million gap in its next budget.
Starting November 2, most JTA bus routes will see reduced hours or service. The same day, the Skyway will stop carrying passengers.
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NAVI shuttle service is also set to cease operations January 1.
Action News Jax was first to report the coming layoffs and major service reductions.
‘Cutting is never a long-term solution’
We had five minutes with JTA’s interim CEO Cleveland Ferguson and asked whether the cuts are a long-term solution or a short-term fix.
“Cutting is never a long-term solution. We have to structurally change the way in which we budget, and that’s what we’ve done over the last couple of months,” Ferguson said.
JTA said nearly $25 million of the planned savings will come from cutting contractual services.
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The layoffs will include employees in both administrative and operational positions.
Ferguson said JTA began cutting administrative positions in December, when 14 employees were let go. Another 34 were cut in February.
In the latest round, 44 administrative employees are expected to be laid off, with as many as 150 additional operations employees potentially affected.
Delinquent bills and 59 days of cash
The cuts come after years of financial questions surrounding the transportation authority.
Action News Jax has previously reported on JTA’s financial troubles, including a reported deficit, millions of dollars in delinquent bills, and the agency having just 59 days of cash on hand.
We asked Ferguson whether he believes JTA’s financial problems amount to mismanagement and whether he takes any responsibility as a member of leadership.
RELATED JULY STORY: JTA faces more than $15 million in unpaid bills as city leaders question spending
He rejected that characterization.
“No, this is not a case of mismanagement at all,” he said.
The interim CEO pointed to JTA’s capital projects over the past 14 years, including the St. Johns River Ferry. He said JTA secured more than $28 million in grant funding for the ferry system, which now has more than $400,000 in year-over-year ridership.
Improving the budget process
The money questions are not new.
Since 2023 Action News Jax has been investigating in its “Taken for a Ride” series JTA credit card spending, including taxpayer-funded meals, high-end hotels, international travel, and massages.
But with the agency now facing major cuts, JTA leadership continues to defend how its money was spent.
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When asked how JTA got into its current financial situation, Ferguson said the agency’s money was spent in accordance with its budget.
“Well, the money is, from a budgetary perspective, is spent in accordance with the budget. That’s been improved year over year, and we’re really focused on stabilizing today and moving forward in the future,” he said.
Focus now will be on core services
For riders, the financial cuts will mean changes to the system.
JTA said shutting down the Skyway is expected to save about $10 million.
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Pausing NAVI service is expected to save about $487,000 a month.
Bus service will also operate on reduced weekday schedules, with JTA saying its highest-ridership routes will receive priority.
Ferguson said JTA is focused on stabilizing its finances and delivering its core services to Jacksonville residents.
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