Duval DOGE probes ‘disappointing’ ridership numbers for autonomous shuttle system – Jacksonville Daily Record

Report on the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s Autonomous Vehicle Initiative and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

A special committee of the Jacksonville City Council convened on November 4 to scrutinize the performance of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s (JTA) Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) system. The inquiry focused on the project’s low ridership figures, its long-term viability, and its effectiveness in contributing to sustainable urban development.

Project Overview and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The $65 million NAVI system, part of a larger initiative known as the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C), represents a significant investment in innovative public infrastructure. The project is directly aligned with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The project aims to build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation by deploying advanced autonomous vehicle technology for public transit.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The core objective is to provide a safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport system for Jacksonville, enhancing urban mobility and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The initiative is intended to stimulate economic growth through direct investment and by attracting related industries, such as the agreement with German manufacturer Holon to build a $100 million facility in the city.

Performance Analysis and Ridership Concerns

The committee expressed significant concern over the system’s performance since its launch.

Key Performance Metrics

1. Ridership Data: From its rollout in June through October, the NAVI system recorded approximately 6,500 riders.
2. Daily Average: This equates to an average of 76 passengers per day.
3. Projection Discrepancy: The current daily average is less than one-third of the 280 daily riders projected by JTA for the year 2035.

JTA’s Position on Performance

JTA CEO Nat Ford defended the project as a long-term investment in the city’s future mobility, asserting that current figures are not indicative of its eventual success. The JTA attributes the low ridership to delays in anticipated downtown redevelopment projects, including a new hotel, museum, and university campus. Mr. Ford expressed confidence that ridership will meet projections once these developments are complete, thereby fulfilling the project’s commitment to SDG 11 by integrating public transport with urban growth.

Committee Scrutiny and Alternative Solutions

Members of the Duval DOGE Special Committee raised critical questions regarding the project’s strategy and financial prudence.

Primary Concerns

• Financial Viability: Council member Rory Diamond described the project as “too much money, too big of a risk” and advocated for its termination.
• Technological Focus: Council member Jimmy Peluso questioned the exclusive focus on autonomous shuttles, urging an exploration of proven alternatives like streetcars and light-rail systems, which have been successfully implemented in other cities.
• Project Continuation: Committee Chair Ron Salem questioned whether the program could be paused to await downtown development. Mr. Ford noted this would risk the loss of $25.5 million in federal and state funding, highlighting the complexities of multi-stakeholder partnerships (SDG 17).

Economic Impact and Operational Controversies

The debate also covered the project’s broader economic contributions and recent operational decisions.

Economic and Operational Findings

1. Economic Development (SDG 8): JTA leadership and the Mayor’s office emphasized the project’s “ripple” economic effects, citing the Holon manufacturing plant as a major success in attracting investment and creating jobs.
2. Passenger Fares: The introduction of a $1.75 fare was criticized by committee member Raul Arias, who argued the projected annual revenue of approximately $25,000 was insignificant and that free fares should be offered to encourage ridership and promote accessible transport (SDG 11).
3. Ridership Inflation Allegations: The committee questioned Mr. Ford about an internal JTA email that urged employees to ride the shuttles during work hours. JTA described this as an “ambassador program” to educate the public, a common practice for new transit systems. However, reports indicated it involved over 840 paid staff hours, raising questions about the authenticity of ridership data.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article connects the transportation project to broader economic impacts, such as attracting foreign investment and stimulating local development.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The core of the article is about a major public infrastructure project that relies on innovative, albeit “unproven,” technology (automated vehicles).
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The project is explicitly designed as a public transportation solution to serve a city’s “long-term mobility needs,” support downtown redevelopment, and provide access to various neighborhoods.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article highlights the role of a government oversight committee in holding a public authority accountable for its spending, performance, and decision-making, demonstrating governance and transparency.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The entire discussion revolves around the development of the $65 million Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) system as a new form of public infrastructure. Its reliability and sustainability are questioned by the committee due to low ridership and high costs.
• Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. The NAVI system is intended to be a public transport solution. The article discusses its planned expansion to serve multiple neighborhoods, its ridership figures, and the introduction of a $1.75 passenger fee, all of which relate directly to the accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of the system.
• Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. The JTA CEO and the mayor’s office justify the project by citing its “‘ripple’ economic effects,” specifically its role in attracting a $100 million investment from German autonomous vehicle manufacturer Holon to build a facility in Jacksonville.
• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The article is a clear example of this target in action. The Jacksonville City Council’s special committee is publicly questioning the JTA CEO, scrutinizing performance data, and debating the financial viability of a publicly funded project, which demonstrates institutional accountability and transparency.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicators for Target 9.1 & 11.2 (Infrastructure & Transport Systems):
  • Passenger Ridership: The article provides precise data: “6,500 riders from its rollout in June through October,” an “average of 76 passengers per day,” against a projection of “280 per day.” This is a direct indicator of the system’s current use and performance.
  • Financial Investment: The cost of the project is stated as “$65 million” for the initial phase, with a potential total cost exceeding “$400 million.” It also mentions “$25.5 million” in federal and state funding. These figures are indicators of the financial resources allocated to the infrastructure.
  • Cost to User: The introduction of a “$1.75 fee per ride” is an indicator of the system’s affordability for the public.
  • System Coverage: The initial phase covers the “3.5-mile Bay Street Innovation Corridor,” with plans to expand to “Brooklyn, Riverside, San Marco, Springfield and other neighborhoods,” indicating the planned scale and accessibility of the transport system.
• Indicators for Target 8.3 (Economic Growth):
  • Attracted Investment: The article explicitly mentions that the project led to an agreement for Holon to build a “$100 million manufacturing facility in Jacksonville,” a direct indicator of foreign investment linked to the project.
• Indicators for Target 16.6 (Strong Institutions):
  • Public Oversight Actions: The existence and actions of the “Duval DOGE Special Committee” and its 90-minute questioning of the JTA CEO serve as an indicator of an active institutional oversight mechanism.
  • Use of Performance Data for Accountability: The committee’s use of JTA’s own ridership data to challenge the project’s success is an indicator of evidence-based, transparent governance.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: jaxdailyrecord.com