Jacksonville driverless public transit is here. On June 30, 2025, the city launched NAVI (Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation), the nation’s first permanent autonomous public transportation system. This cutting-edge service connects key downtown areas along the Bay Street Innovation Corridor—from Pearl Street to EverBank Stadium—marking a major milestone in smart city mobility.
🔍 What Is NAVI?
NAVI features a fleet of electric Ford E-Transit vans equipped with advanced self-driving technology from Oxa. These ADA-accessible vehicles operate at safe urban speeds of 18–25 mph and are staffed by trained JTA attendants who can take control if needed.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | June 30, 2025 |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Fri, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Route Length | 3.5 miles (Pearl St → EverBank Stadium) |
| Stops | 12 designated stations |
| Fleet Type | Ford E‑Transit EVs, ADA‑compliant |
| Fare | Free until Sept 30, then $1.75 |
| Safety | 1 trained attendant per vehicle |
| Technology | LiDAR, GPS, radar, and 10+ cameras |
🌇 Why This Matters for Jacksonville
- Urban Mobility: NAVI kicks off the 10-year U²C (Ultimate Urban Circulator) program to modernize Jacksonville’s downtown transit system.
- Economic Growth: The launch attracts major investment, including HOLON’s planned $100M AV production plant projected to add 800 local jobs.
- Real Estate Impact: Improved transit access increases property appeal in neighborhoods like LaVilla, Brooklyn, and Springfield.
🎥 Watch NAVI in Action
See News4Jax’s full coverage of the launch: View article and video here.
🚀 What’s Next?
This is just the start. NAVI is Phase 1 of a long-term plan to transform Jacksonville’s transit landscape. More vehicles, wider routes, and Skyway system integrations are coming soon, putting the city at the forefront of U.S. smart mobility.
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Sources: Jacksonville.com, News4Jax