JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The JTA’s Connexion Plus, which offers door-to-door rides for individuals with disabilities, may soon see a hike in costs, stirring unease among its users.

Initially, JTA suggested integrating Connexion Plus into its primary Connexion paratransit service, which would eliminate the option for private rides. This proposal, however, met with significant opposition from both riders and advocates.

JTA officials argue that the proposed fare adjustments are necessary to address increasing operational expenses and ensure the service’s sustainability. Nonetheless, critics believe that the elevated fares might make the service inaccessible for many of the individuals who rely on it.

“The current changes being implemented by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority are affecting all disability groups,” stated Jose Morales, Director of Development for the Center for Independent Living. Speaking at Tuesday night’s city council meeting, he urged officials to reconsider the proposed fare hikes, emphasizing the potential impact on the community.

This decision comes midway through two weeks of community meetings across the city on the JTA’s Fare Modification Pilot Program set to begin next month. 

“We hold these meetings to hear directly from our customers and adjust our plans based on what matters most to them,” JTA CEO Nat Ford said in a news released. “We heard you loud and clear. Your feedback helped shape a solution that preserves this valued service while allowing the JTA to responsibly manage costs.”

Under the proposed changes, Connexion Plus would cost $10 for the first 8 miles and $3.50 per mile after that. Currently, the rate is $6 for the first 15 miles and $2 for each additional mile.

According to JTA, the average Connexion Plus trip is 8 miles, and JTA would still be covering more than 75% of the cost of each ride.

However, that’s not the case for every rider. 

“I work full time. I live over 15 miles from my job, so it would cost me $320 a week to take transportation,” said Sharon Dykes, Connexion Plus rider.

Sharon Dykes and Angela Walker, both riders who expressed their concerns with the cost, are asking the city to provide oversight.

“I would ask that you work with JTA to come up with a reasonable solution to reducing the costs of the program,” said Dykes.

“Some of us have disabilities that will not allow us to be on shared rides. Some of us have disabilities where we’re in constant pain,” said Angela Walker, another rider.

“I thank JTA for changing it from being completely cut to now being an alternative, but hopefully they can make it a sustainable alternative for the individuals using the transit,” said Morales.

Jacksonville City Council Member Rahman Johnson has been hearing from residents and attended Monday night’s in-person JTA advisory committee meeting that lasted three hours.

“Over the last several days, my phone and inbox have been filled with one clear message: that Connexion Plus matters. This service is a lifeline,” said Johnson. 

Johnson says JTA will come present the proposal to the City Council Transportation Committee next week.

According to JTA, of the more than 7,900 Connexion customers, 52% use only Connexion. 32% percent use only Connexion Plus, and 16% ride both. In FY2025, Connexion logged 284,074 trips, whereas Connexion Plus logged 202,908 trips.

During the pilot, Connexion Plus customers will have a maximum of 40 trips available per month. 96% of Connexion Plus customers are under that threshold, with a customer average of 13 trips monthly. 

JTA’s six-month Fare Modification Pilot Program begins Feb. 1. Officials say data from the pilot will help determine the future of Connexion Plus.

The public can continue to provide feedback directly to the JTA on the comment form on the pilot webpage.