KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Jacksonville Transportation Authority is an independent state agency that designs and constructs bridges and highways. In addition, they provide transportation services to Duval and Clay County.

Through Clay Community Transportation, they also provide bus services along their designated bus routes which travel to Fleming Island, Gainesville, Green Cove Springs, Keystone Heights, Middleburg, Orange Park and Penney Farms. And it offers passenger pick-up for those living within three-quarters of a mile of the route. Lastly, they have paratransit services for the disabled and elderly.

The agency currently is conducting a study to improve its routes and services in Clay County, including a stop at the Keystone Heights Pavillion on Jan. 11.

“Services right now are limited within the county, so we’re trying to make sure that we are helping all those who need public transportation,” said Jeremy Norseworthy, Program Manager of Long Range and Regional Planning at JTA.

Since November, the agency has held five meetings in Clay County. The purpose of the meeting at Keystone Heights was to gain feedback and understand the transportation needs.

Its outcome was a success as locals along with Mayor Karen Lake, City Manager Lynn Rutkowski and City Council members Tony Brown and Christine Thompson at the event.

JTA presented an overview of their study and encouraged residents to complete a survey that would later be included in the study. Residents shared their input and asked questions regarding the types of services available, including hours, handicap accessibility and payments.

“I think it’s good. This area needs more transportation options,” said resident James Jackson.

After the meetings are completed, the agency will be present its analysis and recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners in February for future planning. The community can expect to see transportation improvements once the BCC can choose the best course of action and incorporates it into the county budget.

“We look forward to the transportation services and meeting the Keystone Heights resident’s needs because we get phone calls daily asking how to get individuals from one place to another. It’s definitely a needed service down here,” Rutkowski said.

To learn more about Jacksonville Transportation Authority and its transportation services visit www.jtafla.com.