U 2 C PHASE I: LESSONS LEARNED A Decade of Research & Development Phase I of the U 2 C initiative provided many key lessons during the planning, development, and launch phases. To move from ideation to launch required the JTA to be nimble, obtain input from experts, and make safety the top priority at every juncture. Doing so gave the JTA valuable insights for subsequent phases of the program. This journey and the lessons we learned serve as a blueprint for transportation authorities and cities across the nation and internationally interested in deploying similar systems.
Build for Scalability and Resilience - Design infrastructure, data systems, and operational procedures with future growth and technology evolution in mind. This foresight reduces retrofit costs and ensures long-term adaptability. Leverage Policy and Industry Influence - Use your pioneering position to shape evolving regulations and industry standards. Share operational insights with agencies, regulators, and manufacturers to accelerate broader adoption of autonomous vehicles. Pave the Way for Others - Develop solutions that enable broader access and adoption. Our partnership with the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) created a statewide AV procurement contract that other agencies can leverage, accelerating the deployment of autonomous transit systems across Florida and beyond.
Be Strategic - Engage all potential stakeholders early, from policy-makers to community members. Establish a clear, shared vision and a detailed plan to align efforts, anticipate challenges, and maintain focus on common goals for a smooth execution. Be Collaborative - Success requires an organization-wide commitment and the right partners—not just more partners. Bring in or upskill talent with the specialized skills needed to implement and operate cutting-edge autonomous technology. Be Innovative - Many challenges will have no documented solutions. Embrace creative problem solving by leveraging diverse expertise and being flexible in your approach to overcome unforeseen obstacles. Adapt to Policy Realities - When market solutions don’t meet policy or regulatory standards, work closely with partners to develop compliant alternatives. For example, retrofitting a Ford E-Transit with an autonomous technology stack allowed the JTA to meet requirements and stay on schedule. Manage Timelines and Dependencies - Regulatory approvals, manufacturing of vehicles, and technology integration often cause delays. Build schedule buffers and develop contingency plans, including interim vehicle solutions, to meet deployment milestones. Prioritize Safety and Public Trust - Safety is paramount. Proactively address safety standards, transparently communicate safety measures, and engage with the public to build confidence and acceptance of autonomous transit.
The launch of the JTA’s NAVI service represents a bold step forward in the evolution of public transportation in Jacksonville and the United States. Like any cutting- edge technology, the long-term success of AV transport requires continuous iterative improvements based on real observations. The JTA is being proactive in compiling and tracking these observations to best prepare for implementing these improvements, which will optimize the NAVI service and facilitate future planning efforts under the U 2 C program.
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