Skyway’s Future: Cost vs. Innovation | Jacksonville News

Jacksonville’s aging Skyway faces a make-or-break decision as the JTA unveils six costly options—ranging from $150M to over $560M—for its future. Choices include rehabbing the old monorail, replacing it with automated tech, tearing it down, converting it to a trail, or integrating autonomous shuttles. But here’s the twist: one expert study says fixing the current system could cost just $60M–$76M, while the JTA’s estimate is $276M—raising red flags about transparency and value. Meanwhile, three of the six proposals rely heavily on NAVI shuttles, which carry only 8–9 people versus the dozens per train—or even 125+ per modern streetcar. A separate analysis by Lea+Elliott found upgrading existing trains and control systems offers the best bang for buck—and even suggests expanding capacity. With public meetings underway, Jacksonville must decide: upgrade what’s there, gamble on new tech, or scrap it all? The choice is yours. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1daad00ee91aaf1d