JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax has learned that the Jacksonville Transportation Authority is prepared to take drastic action to get out of a financial hole, including widespread layoffs to address mounting financial troubles.
Multiple sources familiar with the plans tell Action News Jax Ben Becker the overhaul will not only include significant layoffs, but possible pauses to high-profile projects, and a request for emergency financial relief from the Jacksonville City Council.
Who and what’s impacted?
The sources told Action News Jax that employees at multiple levels within JTA will be impacted, from executives to bus drivers.
Sources also say the authority is considering slamming the brakes on its NAVI autonomous vehicle program, while proposals to upgrade or retrofit the Skyway remain up in the air.
In addition, JTA officials are expected to seek emergency legislation from the City Council that would allow the authority to redirect tens of millions of dollars in local option gas tax revenue.
Those funds were originally intended for transportation projects, including the Navi, Skyway improvements, and portions of the Emerald Trail. Redirecting them now would help stabilize JTA’s finances and balance its books.
JTA’s financial health
The reported changes come as concerns about JTA’s financial health continue to grow.
During an August Finance Committee meeting, Council President Nick Howland questioned what would happen if the agency exhausted its cash reserves.
“What is the city’s obligation if JTA runs out of cash?” Howland asked.
Days earlier, city officials revealed JTA’s projected cost overruns for the fiscal year had climbed to $32.8 million.
During that same meeting, JTA’s interim CEO said the authority had secured a $40 million line of credit to help address budget shortfalls and pay more than $22 million in outstanding bills.
Councilman Mike Gay called those developments “red flags of a failing business.”
Last month, JTA told Becker it had approximately 59 days of cash on hand.
Past problems
Action News Jax has been investigating JTA’s financial challenges and spending practices for the past two years.
Financial pressures have already led to workforce reductions. During the last fiscal year, JTA laid off 31 employees and furloughed 88 others.
The developments also follow the departure of longtime JTA CEO Nat Ford, who announced his resignation in July before accepting the top job at Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
Action News Jax reached out to JTA for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
What’s next
JTA is expected to announce the changes it’s making on Thursday.
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