JTA debuts digital training environment

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DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — The Jacksonville Transportation Authority debuted a new way to train bus drivers during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday morning.

JTA representatives said a new simulator will give drivers a nearly 360-degree view of its digital training environment. It'll throw different weather and traffic conditions at its operators, such as a dog running in front of the bus.

JTA said the company will be ready for beginning and remedial training in fewer than three weeks.

“We carry 40,000 people every day. So just one accident less, two accidents less, it's a great investment,” said JTA CEO Nathaniel Ford.

The simulator cost $379,000, which was paid for by JTA and state and federal grants.