properties, to ensure public safety and protect AV operations against threats and vulnerabilities • Seamless connectivity between the JTA, the AIC, and every vehicle on the BSIC route • A raised terrace to match the Skyway infrastructure to enable future connectivity • Utilized accelerated construction technology resulting in a 31-day total fabrication time The building was designed to complement the neighboring LaVilla community and JRTC at LaVilla. The Center will be staffed with a Command Center supervisor and other technology experts. To facilitate education and information sharing, the AIC has a conference room, an outdoor terrace, and meeting space. In addition to monitoring Bay Street, the AIC will also serve as the JTA’s hub for research and development of AVs, and the testing, verification and validation hub for the entire autonomous vehicle program. AIC engineers will document and develop a report on what organizations need to support automation, workforce development, and training to adapt to the new technology. “The JTA has developed the blueprint for any agency, city or municipality to build AVs into their public transit,” said Kiet Dinh, Assistant Vice President/Chief Automation Officer at the JTA. “The idea is that automation and disruptive technologies are here to stay. We want to provide a blueprint for others to emulate and model.”
Autonomous Innovation Center It became clear that AVs and the BSIC would be ready to go live in the summer of 2025. To provide a command station for the U 2 C, the JTA broke ground on a state-of- the-art Autonomous Innovation Center (AIC) in May 2024 to operate, monitor, and maintain it. The 18,798 square foot facility was developed with the future in mind and is the center of autonomous technology excellence in the region. It has the capacity to assist cities throughout the nation working to deploy similar programs. The AIC was built with SMART devices and technology that promotes safety, security, and innovation. Features include: • A first-of-its-kind microgrid technology in Jacksonville, includes 129 solar panels designed to offset 100% of the building’s normal power demand. It will generate enough power to run a home for two weeks, while returning excess power to the grid. This project, built in partnership with the JEA, also includes a battery electric storage system, and two public charging stations. • A comprehensive cybersecurity system that is separate and distinct from the JTA’s other
The AIC opened in April 2025, two months before the BSIC launch.
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